Gonzalo Robert Mendez, Jr.

Gonzalo Robert Mendez, Jr., age 85, of Belton, Missouri, passed away on July 10, 2024 at Research Medical Center in Kansas City, Missouri. He was born on February 15, 1939 in Kansas City, Kansas. He was preceded in death by his parents, Gonzalo R. Mendez, Sr. and Maria Hernandez; and his brother, Carl M. Mendez. He is survived by his sisters, Teresa Mendez-Quick and Amalia Mendez, of Kansas City, MO; his longtime partner, Lee Ann Ellis; daughters, Gabriella Mendez (Chad), Jennifer Mendez (Edward), Amy Pendleton (Steven); and grandchildren, Edward Diaz III (Toni), Drew Diaz (Sara), Gabriel Diaz, Vera Pendleton, and Robert Pendleton. He is also survived by his 8 great-grandchildren.

Gonzalo attended Switzer Elementary School, West Junior, and Westport High School until he enlisted in the military. He later received his GED. While in the U.S. Army he proudly served as a Master Tank Gunner, serving most of his time in Germany. He was very proud of his service and received many commendations as he quickly moved up in rank. He was honorably discharged as an E5 in 1960.

In 1964 he married Helen Martinez and started a family. He had three girls which he loved and provided for without measure. At that time, he began his most prominent work in a 24-year tenure at Kenworth Trucking Company as a fabricator. Then with training and hard work he was promoted several times and was a quality assurance supervisor at the time of the plants closing.

His girls were the loves of his life, always showering them with love, the best gifts, and always making memories with them. He never missed a call, a birthday or special occasion. He was a great artist, lover of sports and the outdoors. He had a loving interest in all animals but especially dogs. His beloved dogs will miss him deeply. He was adventurous and had many hobbies over the years that included camping, riding motorcross bikes, flying and making kites, playing darts, visits to the lake, riding ATVs and boating.

His favorite pastime was spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. Gonzalo always enjoyed a beer with friends – he truly was the original BudMan. He cherished his friends from the Westside and spoke of them fondly during these last few weeks. He had the best sense of humor, was a true character, he never met a stranger and was ornery till the end. Gonzalo's life and legacy will be remembered fondly by all who knew him, and he will be deeply missed.

Visitation for Gonzalo will be held 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 23, 2024 at Sacred Heart-Guadalupe Catholic Church, located at 2544 Madison Ave, Kansas City, Missouri. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in his honor at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, July 24, 2024 at the same location. Following the Mass, Gonzalo will be laid to rest in Leavenworth National Cemetery, 150 Muncie Rd., Leavenworth, Kansas, with a burial service scheduled for 1:30 p.m.