Obituary of Joe M. Mendez

It is with deep sadness that we announce the loss of our loving husband, father and grandfather at age 94 on July 25, 2014. Born in Tucson on Mar. 19, 1920 to Faustino and Esperanza Mendez, Joe lived his early years in Mexico City. Returning to Tucson as a young teen, he studied at Safford Jr. High and Tucson High, until joining the U.S. Army at the start of WWII. A part of the "Greatest Generation", he was in the 158th Infantry Battalion (the "Bushmasters") and fought in the South Pacific under Gen. MacArthur. Returning home in 1945, he enrolled at the U of A and graduated with the first class from the College of Pharmacy in 1950. A beloved and respected Pharmacist for over 40 yrs., he was also an active member of Tucson Academy of Pharmacists, Thunderbird Civitan, Arizona Athletic Commission, Skyline Country Club, St. Joseph's Church, U of A Alumni Association, and The Centurians. In May 2012, he flew with "Honor Flight Southern Arizona" to Washington D.C. to finally see the World War II Memorial. He loved playing golf, and relaxing with family and friends in the White Mountains, but his greatest joy was ANY time with his loving family. Joe is survived by his devoted wife Aida (Wilkins) and their children Charmaine Hill, Patricia (Emilio) Puig, Robin Mendez, and Phyllis (Cary) Cagle; grandchildren Tracy Hill, Emilie Puig & Veronica Ayala, Haley & Hannah Mendez, & Christopher Cagle; four great-grandchildren; nephew Charles Clark; sisters Rosario Casabonne, Viola Figueroa, Sylvia Flores, Irma Taylor, and Amelia Gonzales; brothers Florencio and Ricardo Mendez, and Joe Flores; numerous nieces and nephews; and his best friends, Dr. Ruben Acosta and Dr. John Wagner. A Funeral Mass with Military Honors will be held on Sat., Aug. 2, 2014, 12:00 pm at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, 215 S. Craycroft Rd. In lieu of flowers, please make contributions "In Memory of Joe M. Mendez" to "Honor Flight Southern Arizona", P.O. Box 32649, Tucson, AZ 85751. Our sincerest thanks to the teams of Doctors and the Nursing staff at the Southern Arizona Veterans Hospital in Tucson for their loving care and deep respect of our cherished husband and father, especially during his final days with us. Arrangements by Adair Funeral Home Dodge Chapel. We so miss your warm and loving smile…