Joe Mendez

Joe Mendez, 85, Kansas City North, passed away December 27, 2013 at North Kansas City Hospital. The Mass of Christian Burial is 10:00 AM Tuesday, December 31st at St Gabriel Catholic Church, 4737 N Cleveland, Kansas City, MO; burial in Mt. Moriah Terrace Park Cemetery. Friends may call from 6-8 PM Monday at the Church where a rosary will be prayed at 6:30 PM. The family suggests contributions to St Gabriel Catholic Church.

Joe was born May 11, 1928 to Jose and Margarita Mendez in the Argentine district of Kansas City, KS. He attended Clara Barton School and was a member of the 1948 graduating class of Argentine High School. In 1949 he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force serving in the Korean Conflict. During his service he was an Airborne Radio Operator and flew over 100 combat missions. Joe was employed for TWA from 1964 until his retirement in 1992. He was a novice amateur radio operator and enjoyed bowling and playing underhand fast pitch softball. Joe was a member of St Gabriel Catholic Church. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his wife of 49 years, Juanita in 2002; 4 brothers, Ruben, John, Manuel and Robert Mendez; and 4 sisters, Evangelina Mendez, Dolores Torres, Margarita Ramirez and Alicia Mendez.

Survivors include 4 sons, Gary (Cathy) Mendez, Gregory (Patti) Mendez, David Mendez and Joe (Cristen) Mendez; a daughter, Lisa (Vincent) Nolan; 14 grandchildren, 1 great grandson; and uncle to many nieces and nephews.