Emilio Mendiola Rojo

Emilio, known to his friends as Geronimo, went home to the Lord on April 9, 2023, surrounded by his loving family. He was the youngest of four born in San Pedro, Escanela, Queretaro, Mexico on May 22, 1958, to Jose Rojo Garay and Victoria Mendiola Martinez. He came to the US at the age of twenty-one, his first few years in Texas were occupied by farm work and a young family. Soon after that, he was employed at Erwin’s Concrete of Fruitvale, TX for 41 years working the majority of that time as a foreman. He was also an entrepreneur, spending most evenings running an ornamental concrete business with his wife, April Rojo. After a long day of work, he could often be found outside either busy with his hands or by the grill surrounded by his friends and family. Emilio was a strong man of faith. He was a kind, soft-spoken man, hard-working and active, and extremely dedicated to his family. He enjoyed watching action movies, especially Jackie Chan’s films. He had a green thumb, always dabbling in gardening projects. Emilio loved cooking for his family, trying to perfect his hot tamale recipe.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Jose Garay and Victoria Martinez; brother, Clemente Rojo Mendiola; and sister, Consepcion Rojo Mendiola.

Emilio is survived by his caring wife of 28 years, April Rojo; daughters: Victoria Rojo, Terra Esparza, Nova Esparza, Leticia Rojo; sons: Jose Antonio Rojo, Alexandro Rojo; grandchildren: Ethan Rojo, Natalie Bowers, Lexi Bowers, Caydon Roberts, Arya Esparza; sister, Maria Nieves Rojo Mendiola; First wife, Janie Smith Ontiveros; and numerous other relatives.

Visitation will be held Thursday evening from 6pm-8pm at Eubank Funeral Home.