Tony G Mendoza

Leonel Salinas Mendoza, Sr. and Belen Garcia Mendoza raised their son Tony G Mendoza to work hard, lead with love, have fun, and to be a man for others. Tony didn't let them down.

Sadly, he unexpectedly passed on September 28,2017. Despite their grief, Tony's family and many friends across Texas and the USA know that he packed a lifetime of joy into his 40 years. Growing up in the fun-loving Mendoza household with his big sister, Laura Mendoza, and his brother, Leo, Jr., molded Tony for a lifetime of success and taught him the patience to find his soul-mate, Piper Hardin Mendoza, who he married last October. Tony unconditionally loved,cherished and adored Piper, and she loved him right back. Their bond was like no other and the five short years they were together was a beautiful gift.

From childhood, to his undergraduate years at St. Edwards University to earning his law degree from Notre Dame, Tony was always learning, improving, self-reflecting and connecting with a bigger and bigger circle of friends. Tony was as comfortable studying law at ND's London campus as he was rooting for the Irish on Sixth Street in Austin--the city he loved.

He always had a joke or a hug for his nieces Sloan and Vivian who he loved greatly, and he treasured his longtime friendship with their mother, Tony's sister in law, Kelley Baker Mendoza. He loved skyping with his niece, Astoria, as they excitedly discussed their adventures in France with Aunt Piper. When outside the courtroom, Tony would jog, hike, golf or get on the plane for his next big trip with Piper -- usually to visit more friends and family. He was the son his in-

laws never had, Bobby and Phyllis Hardin will forever miss this man who brought so much joy to their daughter Piper. He loved fishing and nature. He could sing along with Willie Nelson, rap with Eminem and two-step across Texas in cowboy boots or flip flops ... it simply didn't matter. He sought great literature but also watched made for TV movies and cuddled up with his English Springer Spaniel, Ladybird. Tony cared deeply about human justice yet could debate any topic-- no matter how inconsequential--with wit and his trademark laugh.

Tony, until we meet again, May God hold you in the palm of his Hand and may you watch over all of us who love you.

In lieu of flowers and customary remembrances, the family suggests donations be made to: http://www.uso.org/donate/tonygmendoza or mail to the attention to Chad Hartman, 2111 Wilson Blvd, Ste. 1200, Arlington, VA 22201. The USO strengthens America's military service members by keeping them connected to family, home and country, throughout their service to the nation.

Rosary will recite at 12:30 PM, followed by the Funeral Mass at 1 :00 PM on Friday, October 6, 2017 at St. Theresa Catholic Church, 4311 Small Drive, Austin, Texas.

To share condolences with the family, please visit www.cookwaldenfuneralhome.com.