Life Member 098 Martin (Marty) Mendoza

Martin Mendoza, 53, passed away September 19, 2009. Born and raised in El Paso, he was known to his family and friends as "Marty." He served his country in the U.S. Army from 1979-1993 achieving the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. He then served as a DOD Civilian from 1993-2009 and was serving as a Communications Interoperability Test Director at Ft. Huachuca, AZ. Marty received numerous decorations both as a civil servant and as a former Army Officer. His decorations include the Civilian Award for Humanitarian Service, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal with Oak Leaf, etc. Marty had also earned a Master Parachutist Badge. His assignments included duties with the 35th Signal Brigade, XVIII Airborne Corps, Joint U.S. Military Assistance Group in El Salvador, the Joint Communications Support Element (JCSE) in Florida, U.S. Army South in Panama, and numerous short duration deployments to perilous places. Marty was a devoted son, husband and father who is survived by his wife of 29 years, Mary and his son, Cristobal Alberto Mendoza. He is also survived by his parents, Martin and Rosalia Mendoza and four brothers: George, Andrew, Victor and Ruben Mendoza, their wives, numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins. Marty had an unusual but keen sense of humor, was very protective of his wife and son, and had a strong connection to all of his family. Marty loved nothing more than being surrounded by family. Marty, you are deeply loved and sorely missed. The visitation will be held at Martin Funeral Home (East), 1460 George Dieter, El Paso, TX on Sunday, September 27, 2009, 5:00-9:00 p.m. Rosary will be at 7:00 p.m. The Funeral Mass will be on Monday, September 28, 2009 at 9:30 a.m. at Saint Rafael's Catholic Church, 2301 Zanzibar Road, El Paso with burial at the National Cemetery on Fort Bliss with military honors.

Published by El Paso Times from Sep. 25 to Sep. 28, 2009.