Salvador was born to Francisca and Antonio Mendoza on September 28, 1932 in Dallas, Texas and was the oldest of seven children. His family and friends called him Sal while his sisters lovingly named him Buck-a-roo. Sal grew up in Farmers Branch, TX where he picked cotton and traveled with his family to Indiana to pick tomatoes. He attended Farmers Branch Elementary, Addison Schoolhouse, and then went on to graduate from R.L. Turner High School in 1954 where he played football and baseball.
After high school, Sal enlisted and served in the U.S. Army from 1954 to 1957, stationed in Germany where he played football. Upon returning home he was scouted to pitch for the Dallas Aguilas, Independent Baseball League. Sal worked at Westvaco Envelope Corp in Dallas, TX until he retired.
In retirement, Sal’s favorite things to do were reading his bible, playing his guitar, working in the yard, and tending to his vegetable garden. Sal loved to talk about the good ole days to anyone that would listen.
Sal is preceded in death by: his parents, Antonio & Francisca Mendoza; wife, Reba Hitt Mendoza; sister, Dolores Jaramillo; and brother, Jessie Joe Mendoza.
He is survived by his grandson, Michael Sal Mendoza; daughter, Mary Elizabeth Mendoza of Irving, TX; daughter, Rose Marie Robinson and her husband, Eddy Robinson of OK; granddaughter, Shannon Marie Griffith; numerous great grandchildren; sister, Aurora Benavidez of Dallas, TX; and sister, Mary Alva of The Colony, TX; brother, Carmen Mendoza of Carrollton, TX; and brother, John Mendoza and his wife, Sonnie of Plano, TX; as well as his many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews, extended family members and friends.
Our family would like to express how thankful we are to his sisters that made sure their Buck-a-roo was cared for and his grandson Michael for being there for him these past months.
Visitation and service times can be seen below.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.RhotonFuneralHome.com for the Mendoza family.
