Inez Moreno Mendes
Our beloved Inez, as he was fondly known by his loved ones, was born on April 21, 1945, and entered the Kingdom of Heaven on Friday, February 24th, 2023, at the age of 77. Inez is survived by his loving sons, Raymundo (Mundo) Mendes, Jaime Mendes (Kim); two adored grandsons, Steven and Christopher Calderazzo; and his four precious granddaughters, Stephanie, Haley, Jamie and Jordyn Mendes; one brother, Ramon Mendes; five sisters, Oralia Tavarez, Amparo Galindo, Carol Mendes, Alicia Munoz, and Manuela Borunda, and numerous nieces, nephews, and godchildren.
Inez was preceded in death by his parents, Balente and Eulalia Mendes; his beloved wife, Lupe of 47 years. Twin brothers, John and Paul Mendes. Also preceding him in death was his first wife, Rose Ann Martinez Mendes (mother of his eldest beloved son Raymundo); sisters, Yolanda Granillo, Petra Chavez, Elena Villareal, Mary Benavidez; brother, Balente Mendes, Jr.
Inez was born in Grand Falls, Texas, and was raised in Balmorhea, Texas. Upon graduating from Balmorhea High School, he relocated to Las Cruces, New Mexico where he met his first wife, Rose Ann Martinez. He later joined the U.S. Army, proudly served his country, and welcomed his first-born son, Raymundo. After the unfortunate passing of Rose Ann, Inez later went on to meet and marry the love of his life, Lupe, who in turn went on to love and raise Raymundo as her very own. After serving his country, Inez went on to work for and retire from the U.S. Postal Service after 35 years. After his retirement, Inez also worked 11 years for the Las Cruces Public Schools as a bus driver.
Inez was fondly known for his humor, love and affection, tall tales, and his passion for good music. He also held a special place in his heart for Aggie baseball, as Jaime’s number one fan. He supported and treated every athlete as one of his own. Let us not forget that he was one of the most loyal Dallas Cowboy fans to ever exist. Some of the best memories of Inez include the constant and comical bickering between him and his wife Lupe. Many of his most cherished and memorable moments all coincidentally took place at the ripe age of 13 (if you know you know). One of his many hobbies included taking credit for cooking skills that he did not have. He also enjoyed surrounding himself with close friends and family to listen to his own playlist of music and share his so-called wisdom. Inez’s grandchildren would describe him as caring, funny, and loving. They have fond memories of the nose and cheek pinching that he was notorious for. They knew that was his signature sign of love and affection. He adored is grandchildren.
Services will be held at St. Genevieve’s Roman Catholic Church, on Friday, March 17th, 2023. Rosary will commence at 10:30 a.m., followed by mass at 11:00 a.m., with honor guard to follow, and inurnment at 12:00 p.m.
Pallbearers will be his grandsons, Steven and Christopher Calderazzo; and nephews, John “JC” Mendes, Dan and Javier Rosales. Honorary pallbearers will be his dear friends, Henry “Mana” Murillo, Eduardo “Lalo” Gamboa, Gregorio “Porky” Montoya, Adolfo “Bobo” Garcia, Raul “Rulies” Soto and Frank “Inky” Mata; brother-in-law, John Mendes; nephew, Anthony Miranda; godson, Robert “Bob” Soto.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Inez Mendes, please visit our
Heartfelt Sympathies Store.
