Richard J Mendez

Richard Joe Mendez, age 53, passed away on September 4, 2009 at a Houston, Texas Hospital following an illness. Richard was born on June 4, 1956 in Topeka, Kansas to the home of Jesus and Martha Gutierrez Mendez. Richard had been a resident of Houston since 1992. Richard attended Tucumcari Schools where he participated in football and track. He also enjoyed playing softball. He is preceded in death by his father Jesus Mendez and his maternal grandparents; Casimiro and Teresa Gutierrez. Survivors include 3 daughters and one son, his mother; Martha Mendez of Tucumcari, brothers and sisters; Pete Mendez and wife Maureen of Beaver Falls, PA, Francisco Mendez and wife Sue of Albuquerque, Teresa M. Apodaca of Tucumcari, Michael Mendez and wife Roseann of Tucumcari, Susana Arellano and husband Rudy of Amarillo,. TX, and Martin Mendez and wife Tammy of Rio Rancho. Also surviving is an uncle Armando Gutierrez and wife Rose of Killeen, TX , 8 grandchildren, along with numerous nieces, nephews and a host of relatives and friends. Visitation for Richard will be held on Sunday, September 13, starting at 2:00 PM from St. Anne’s Church. Rosary services will follow at 7:00 PM. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, September 14, at 11:00 AM also from St. Anne’s Church with Father Hyginus Anuta officiating. Burial will follow at Tucumcari Memorial Park. Serving as Pallbearers will be; Andres Apodaca, Adelaido Apodaca, Michael Mendez, Martin Mendez, Richard Mendez, Jr., Armando Gutierrez, Rudy Arellano and Mike Gutierrez. All services are entrusted to the Chavez Funeral Home of Santa Rosa. To place an online condolence log onto www.chavezfuneralhome.com