Jose Abel Mendoza

A funeral service for Jose Abel Mendoza, 86, of Cleburne, will be held at 10:00 AM on Thursday, December 11, 2025, at St Joseph Catholic Church, located at 807 N Anglin St, Cleburne, TX 76031. Interment will follow in the Rosehill Cemetery, Cleburne with Rodolfo Lira, Antonio Rendon, Rodney Mascarenas, Alvaro Alvarez, David Calvillo, Tyler Day, Rance Sorely, and Francisco Rodriguez serving as pallbearers. There will be a time of visitation for family and friends from 6:00 - 8:00 PM with a Rosary at 7:00 PM at the funeral home on Wednesday, December 10, 2025.

Jose Abel Mendoza, born on October 19, 1939, in Apaseo, Zacatecas, Mexico, peacefully departed this life surrounded by his family and entered God's Kingdom on December 4, 2025, in Cleburne, Texas. He was a remarkable individual, known as a jack of all trades who navigated through various industries such as construction and sales, and even ventured into acting in several films. His journey took him to the United States, where he extended his helping hand to family members to put down roots, embodying the spirit of generosity and support.

Jose was the backbone of his family, characterized by his unparalleled strength and determination. He was a true gentleman, possessing a great sense of humor, which endeared him to many. As a loving father and grandfather, Jose poured his heart into his family, demonstrating the values of hard work and kindness throughout his life. He thoroughly enjoyed watching horse races, playing poker, and collecting fine china, all while cherishing the lively sounds of Mariachi and Rancheras music. Notably, he was also a part of the Bracero Program in the 1960s, contributing to his community and embracing the culture he so loved.

Jose is preceded in death by his mother Pabla Mendoza, his siblings Olimpia, Luz, and Juan, as well as his sons Juvencio Mendoza and Pedro Mendoza.

He is survived by his children: Alma Lira and her husband Rodolfo, Eleazar Mendoza and his wife Juana, Maribel Cruz and her husband Ramon, Abel Mendoza Jr, Henry Mendoza, Sonia Mascarenas and her husband Rodney, Lizbeth Mendoza and her husband Alvaro Alvarez, and Anahi Mendoza and her husband Tyler Day. Jose's legacy continues through his grandchildren, Brenda, Melissa, Isabel, Adriana, Antonio, Ricky, Shimika, Jose, Emily, Mario, Ricardita, Mateo, and Ximena, along with his great-grandchildren, Penelope Rose, Elianna, Juliana, Esmae Rose, Mykala, and Ernestine, Kinzlee, Azel, and Via. He is also remembered by his nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

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