Eligio "Lee" (Iii) Mendez

Eligio “Lee” Mendez III went to his eternal home with our Heavenly Father on September 14, 2022 at the age of 74.

He was born in Las Tienditas, Texas on April 22, 1948. He was raised in Duval County and became a resident of Corpus Christi, TX after bravely serving in the United States Army. We honor him for courage and service as a Vietnam Veteran (serving as a Field Wireman, SP4-Heavy Equipment Specialist) and as a 4 year Army Reservist.

Lee was a hard worker and a tinkerer by heart. His civilian life’s work included employment as a House Maintenance Supervisor for eight facilities owned by the Hammonds Organization. He also worked for the Gaslight Apartments before launching his own entrepreneurship called Lee’s Automotive (also known to friends as “Lee’s Garage”) as a mechanic for 46 years. His life was marked with hard work, faith, independence, and determination, as well as a caring heart, always ready to help others in need. He will be remembered for his selfless acts of service to country, family, friends, and those he considered “down and out”.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Eligio Mendez Jr. and Maria Elena Guerra Mendez; Siblings, Elma M. (Juan Noe) Garza, Jose Mendez, Jesus Mendez, Estella Mendez, Reyes Mendez, and Domingo Mendez; aunts: Manuelita Mendez and Maria D. Lozano.

Lee leaves his loving memories with his devoted daughter, Debra Ann M. Rodriguez; grandchildren, Robert Lee Rodriguez Jr., Klaryssa Nikole (Darien) Villarreal, and Leah Lynn Mendez; great-grandchildren, Kaleb Anthony Rodriguez and Baby Villarreal; brothers, Victor Mendez, Johnny Mendez, Robert Mendez, Leonel Mendez, and Rick (Estella) Mendez; sisters, Maggie (Isaac) Salinas, Lolly Garza, and Irma (Kiko) Licea; widowed sister-in-laws, Margarita (Jose) Mendez, Manuela (Domingo) Mendez, and Margo (Reyes) Mendez; long-time friend/confidante, Belinda Cisneros; and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members and friends.

The family will receive condolences on Wednesday, September 28, 2022, from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM, at Trevino Funeral Home, 3006 Niagara @Port; with a Holy Rosary to be recited at 7:00 PM that evening. Liturgy of the word will be held on Thursday, September 29, 2022, at 9:30 AM at Treviño Funeral Home. A funeral cortege will depart the funeral home at 10:15 AM for Rite of Committal and Interment with military honors at Coastal Bend State Veterans Cemetery at 11:00 AM.

Condolences for the family of Eligio “Lee” Mendez III may be left at www.trevinofuneralhome.net