Dr. Joe Mendoza

Joe was married to Rose Marie Servin on November 26, 1960. They have five daughters and nine grandchildren. He was born in Chanute, Kansas, on January 18, 1936. He was raised in Coffeyville, Kansas. It was in Chanute that he experienced poverty and racism. These experiences helped develop his life-long desire to be the voice for those who had none. His passions were serving the community in and around El Paso and those in need, as well as politics, and his beloved UTEP Miners.

Dr. Mendoza began his career in medicine as a registered X-Ray Technologist and received a degree in Radiologic Technology from St. John’s Hospital School of Radiologic Technology in Tulsa, Oklahoma. It was there that Joe met and married Rose Marie. Dr. Mendoza received his Associate of Arts Degree from Coffeyville Junior College in Coffeyville, Kansas. Shortly after that he enrolled at the University of Tulsa where he almost completed a degree in Zoology. His time at the University of Tulsa was cut short when he was accepted to the University of Oklahoma School of Medicine after 90 hours. In 1971, Dr. Mendoza received his Doctor of Medicine and began a rotating internship program at Kansas City General Hospital, in Kansas City, Missouri. In 1972, he completed his residency and was accepted to the Internal Medicine Program at R.E. Thomason General Hospital here in El Paso, Texas; however, upon arrival at Thomason, he was informed there was not an opening to the Internal Medicine Program, but an OB/GYN position was available. Thus began his 40+ years practicing women’s healthcare.

Joe is survived by his wife of 53 years, Rose Marie Servin Mendoza; five daughters, Bernadette Barefoot (Mat), Monica Hernandez (Danny), Angela Fabacher (Kirk), Hillary Vozza (Mario) and Becky Mendoza Tate (Bryon); nine grandchildren, Taylor Barefoot, Katie Martinez (David), Olivia, Lily and Blaise Fabacher, Isabella, Rosemary, Gianna and Corrine Vozza; In-laws, Albert M. and Isabel Servin; six siblings, Tony Mendoza (Gloria), Richard Mendoza (Jean), Phillip Mendoza (Karen), Fred Mendoza (Kathy), Lydia Magruder (Bob) and Cathy Lamb (Larry); and three sisters-in-law: Rebecca, Mary and Connie Mendoza.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Evarista Gutierrez and Bernabe Mendoza; four brothers, Robert, Pete, Charlie and Jesse Mendoza; and two sisters, Marcella Mendoza and Corrine Perez.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, December 29, 2013 from 5:30 P.M. to 9:00 P.M. with Rosary at 7:00 P.M. at St. Matthew Catholic Church, 400 West Sunset Rd. Funeral Mass will be held on Monday, December 30, 2013 at 10:00 A.M. at St. Matthew Catholic Church. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Santa Teresita Mission c/o Saint Jude Catholic Church, 4006 Hidden Way, El Paso, Texas 79922, (915) 584-1095 or Knights of Columbus, Thunderbird Council #6711, P.O. Box 13172, El Paso, Texas 79913

(Donation to be designated for Christmas baskets).

Interment will follow at Memory Gardens of the Valley Cemetery, 4900 McNutt Rd., Santa Teresa, New Mexico. Services entrusted to Martin Funeral Home West, 128 N. Resler Dr., El Paso, Texas 79912. www.MartinFuneralHomeWest.com