Rev. Gary Arroyo Mendoza, 98, of Phelan, CA, passed away on Saturday, September 17, 2011 in New Braunfels, TX.
Born in Penjamo, Guanajuato, Mexico, he became a US citizen when he was seven. He was a US Army veteran of WWII and Korea. He retired as a minister after 66 years of service. He was founder of Primera Iglesias Del Valle in Pacoima, CA and a volunteer with Goodwill and other charities. He helped the food bank at Ralph’s Grocery Stores in Grenada Hills, CA and helped build the Administration at the VA Medical Center in Sepulveda, CA and was a Psychiatric Technician for the Veterans Administration.
Survivors include his wife of 39 years, Hermelinda; five daughters: Henrietta Cortez of Dalton Gardens, ID, Marlene Ovieda of Pacoima, CA, Midian Garcia of Phelan, CA, Terry Mendoza of Victorville, CA and Ana Castro of New Braunfels; three sons: Gary of Panorama City, CA, Jerry and Joshua, both of San Antonio; two sisters: Mary Monoz and Catalina Elias of San Fernando Valley, CA; 7 grandchildren, 9 great grandchildren, and 6 great-great grandchildren.
The family will receive friends from 6-8 PM on Wednesday, Sept. 21 at Southside Funeral Home, 6301 So. Flores Street, San Antonio, TX 78214. A graveside service with full military honors will be presented at 9:00 AM on Thursday, Sept. 22nd at Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery, 1520 Harry Wurzbach Road, San Antonio, TX 78209.
Please sign the guestbook below.
Brother Mendoza was one of a kind. I thank God that I had the opportunity to know such a Godly man. He will always be in my heart and in my memories. I could see him playing “Jerusalen” on his piano at the little church in the desert. We will miss you brother Mendoza but we know we will see each other again someday.
Damos gracias a Dios por darnos el privilegio de haber tenido a nuestro querido Pastor Gary Mendoza por 8 anos, en la Iglesia Misionera Cristiana de Jesucristo en Philan, Ca.siempre trabajando para dar a conocer el evangelio de nuestro Senor Jesucristo,siendo un ejemplo y testimonio para nuestra vida,ya que despues de ser nuestro pastor, por ese tiempo nos dio el privilegio por quince anos mas de ser sus hermanos y amigos,gracias Pastor Mendoza le amamos y como nos decia solo “se nos adelanto.” A Jeruzalen que bonita eres calles de oro mar de cristal que Dios le Bendiga.
Love u so much & u will b so missed Grandpa but I know u r in a way better off place. & u had a great blessed long life… <3 u MY HERO MY ROCK
a very great great man!he will NEVER be forgoten!
I will always cherish the times that I spent with my Grandfather. His memory will always be etched in my heart and mind. Love You Grandpa.
Happy Birthday Grandpa Thinking of u & missing u so much Luv u
Grandpa have u on my mind missing u big time & my mom it hurts. Luv u
I miss him so bad
Hi I am Maryhelen, I was three years old when I was taken away and I found out your my grandpa. Reading all the things that you accomplished are amazing and I hope I can leave the world in legacy like you. I’m a nurse and mom and hope I can make you proud
Grandpa I’m very proud of you I thank you for your service to our country your sacrifice is much appreciative. And I’m thankful for the times that we met hearing your life experiences. I love you so very much! Til we meet you again