Roberto Mendez Jr

Robert’s adventures began at an early age as his family lived all over the United States, Okinawa, and Panama. His fondest childhood memories were the years he spent living on Howard AFB Panama. As a proud Zonian, he spent his time discovering the beauty of Panama with his brother by his side, and making lifelong friends on the way. He graduated from Balboa High School in 1982. Robert received an associate’s degree in 1986 from Texas State Technical Institute. In 1986, he joined the United States Army serving for three years earning a Purple Heart for his service to his country. After his honorable discharged, he continued his education at Texas Tech University receiving a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, followed by a Bachelor's and Master’s degrees in Information Technology. Robert was a true renaissance man; educated, lover of art, and talented poet. He loved surrounding himself with like-minded people and friends debating for hours.

Through his long list of accomplishments, Robert was most proud of his children Robert, Thomas, William, Joseph, and Juana Maria. He enjoyed spending time with them and sharing with everyone their milestones and accomplishments. As his children grew and moved away, the twinkle in his eyes was once again visible as each of his grandchildren were brought into the world. At the end of 2012, Robert met his intellectual match and the love of his life, Claudia Hernandez. In 2017, they were married and remained side by side through thick and thin until Robert peacefully slipped away on May 7, 2023.

Robert is preceded in death by his parents, Roberto Leyton and Juana Maria Mendez and many beloved family members

Robert is survived by his wife Claudia Hernandez; children Robert Leyton Mendez (wife Molly Bolton), Thomas Allen (wife Lauren Mendez), William Carlos (wife Ashley Mendez), Joseph Mendez, and Juana Maria Mendez; grandchildren Ezra, Asher, Mila, Ava, and Delilah; siblings Joseph Alexander (wife Patsy Mendez), Ernestina Leyton (husband Brent Higa), and Patricia Rosaura (husband Christopher Torres); aunts and uncles Carmen (husband Salvador Munoz), Lidia Sifuentes, Renaute Mendez, and Guillermina Sifuentes; and many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, former wives and lifelong friends Cheri Mann and Cindy Mendez, many furry children, and countless “adopted” family members Robert loved as his own.