Allen Joseph Mendoza, a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather, brother and dear friend, passed away peacefully Saturday, April 1, 2023 at his residence surrounded by family. At his passing he was 89.
Allen was born March 1, 1934 in rural Vermilion Parish to the late Rene Mendoza and the late Amette Dronet Mendoza and was one of five children born to that union. He was raised in Delcambre where he attended Delcambre High School. In his day, he played what was known as “iron man” football, playing both offense and defense. After his graduation he enlisted in the United States Army to serve his beloved country. When his military duties were complete, he returned home to Delcambre and began working in the oilfield for Texaco on the derricks.
It wasn’t long after that, that Allen began a career in a partnership with Junior LeBlanc operating M&L Food Store. During that time, Allen served on the Board of Directors of the Associated Grocers. He would soon begin a new career in the Seafood business. Allen owned two shrimp boats, The Hustling Cajun and the Champion and opened his business, Seafood Processors, in 1977. He sold that business in 1985 and opened his new location in Fresh Water City until selling that in 1994. His children remember when he finally retired, that it lasted only a few days, and he found a part time job doing hot shot driving for Acme.
Outside of his long and successful work career, he was a member of several organizations and his church, and found time to enjoy himself. He was a 4th Degree member of the Knights of Columbus, a past President of the Louisiana Shrimp Association, and lifelong parishioner of Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church serving with the ushers. A true outdoorsman, Allen spent time with his family and friends at the deer camp in Gloster, MS and in Princeton, AR. He also had some very memorable elk hunts with great friends in Colorado and Texas. Above all of this, his greatest joy was his family and the time and memories made. Family get-togethers were the best of times where the kids, grandchildren and great grandchildren come together for a boat ride, or gather at the house for swimming and enjoying a home cooked meal. It’s said that Allen cooked the best chili around, and many were able to enjoy his and Anna’s meals with their supper club.
Our family is understandably sad with his passing, but we rejoice in knowing that he has earned his reward of everlasting peace and rest, and we will one day be reunited with him. Until that day, rest well Allen. We love you.
Those left to cherish his memory are his wife of 69 years Anna Lee Richard Mendoza; his children, Randall L. Mendoza and companion Deanna Smith Broussard, Jeannie Mendoza Grossie and husband Kevin, Lori Mendoza and Al Mendoza and wife Jennie; his grandchildren, Austin Mendoza (Clara), Ashlyn Grossie (Mark), Kaitlin Wiggins (David), Alexa Frederick (RJ), Jacob Miguez (Ashlyn), Lauren Harrington (Joshua), Trenton Miguez, Eric LeBlanc (Bliss) and Megan LeBlanc Mercier (Anthony); 17 great grandchildren with one expected; and his brother, Rene “Jimmy” Mendoza.
Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his sisters, Brenda Mendoza Lombas, Nella Jo Babin and Glory Mendoza.
A Mass of Christian Burial celebrating Allen’s life will be held at 3:00 pm Wednesday, April 5 at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church with Fr. Buddy Breaux as the celebrant. Following the mass, he will be laid to rest at Our Lady of the Lake Mausoleum.
Visiting hours will be held at Evangeline Funeral Home on Tuesday from 4:00 pm until 8:00 pm, with the Rosary being prayed at 6:00 pm. Visiting hours will resume on Wednesday from 8:00 am until 2:30 pm.
Those honored to serve as pallbearers are Randall, Al and Austin Mendoza, Trenton and Jacob Miguez, and Kevin Grossie. Honorary pallbearers are Jimmy Mendoza, Carter Wiggins, Cori Guidry, Eric LeBlanc and David Wiggins.
The family would like to extend their sincere gratitude to Allen’s many caregivers, Jackie Weaver, Brenda Suire, Brandy Richard, Chantel Mire, Janet Hollier, Teresa Leiva, Trina Jones, and his nurse, Monica Connell. Your care and compassion are greatly appreciated.
Family and friends are encouraged to share their condolences and memories with the family by visiting Allen’s memorial page at www.evangelinedelcambre.com.
Evangeline Funeral Home of Delcambre is in charge of arrangements.
