MENDEZ, Joe M.

The White Mountain Independent, Show Low, Arizona ~ 10/03/2014 Joe M. Mendez Loving husband, father and grandfather, Joe M. Mendez, 94, died July 25, 2014. He was born March 19, 1920, in Tucson. Joe lived his early years in Mexico City. Returning to Tucson, he attended local schools, until joining the Army at the start of World War II. A part of the “Greatest Generation,” he was in the 158th Infantry Battalion (the “Bushmasters”) and fought in the South Pacific. Returning in 1945, he enrolled at the University of Arizona, graduated from the College of Pharmacy in 1950 and practiced for over 40 years. He was an active member of many civic, professional and social organizations including St. Joseph’s Church and The Centurians. In May 2012, he flew with “Honor Flight” to Washington, D.C. Joe loved playing golf and relaxing in the White Mountains, but his greatest joy was spending time with his loving family. He is survived by his immediate family: wife Aida (Wilkins) and children Charmaine Hill, Patricia (Emilio) Puig, Robin Mendez and Phyllis (Cary) Cagle; six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren; numerous sisters, brothers, nieces and nephews; and his best friends, Ruben Acosta and John Wagner. A funeral Mass with military honors was held Aug. 2 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, 215 S. Craycroft Road. In lieu of flowers, please make contributions in his name to Honor Flight So. AZ, P.O. Box 32649, Tucson, AZ 85751. Adair Funeral Homes Dodge Chapel handled arrangements. “We so miss your warm and loving smile, Dad.”