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Carmelo Mendez Jimenez Sr., 76, of San Antonio, TX passed away surrounded by his family, at his home on Wednesday, October 19th, 2022. Carmelo was one of thirteen children born in San Antonio, TX on May 10th, 1946, to Julio and Paulita Jimenez. Immediately after graduating from Burbank High School, he was drafted to the Army where he was later honorably discharged and was awarded two Purple Heart medals and the Bronze Star Medal for his acts of heroism and sacrifice while serving his country. After 26 years of civil service at Kelly Air Force base he retired in 1992. To name a few things ...He loved doing his crossword puzzles in the morning, watching sports, making his homemade chilé, watching jeopardy, wheel of fortune and he was often tired from winning so much on his scratch off tickets. But most of all he loved and adored his family. His children still remember all the fun summer trips when he would rent a van big enough to fit all their cousins. Everyone had a great time especially during the trips driving to Houston where they would sing country songs together on the ride there and back. He married his sweetheart, Bertha Reyes in 1994. They spent their time together living life to the fullest, laughing, traveling, dancing and spending time with their family and friends. Many of these times were with his beloved cousins Juan and Yolanda Mendez. Other times were spent in Houston with the Jimenez Houstonians. They also loved visiting Marcos Jimenez and family in Luling, Texas. Together, they especially loved spending time at the local “libraries” where they had a blast learning with friends. They had an unbreakable bond with all the grandkids and Grandpa’s place was always warm and full of love. In his younger days, Carmelo was full of energy and was always on the go. He had a beautiful voice, he loved singing and whistling to his favorite country and Tejano songs. He was the lead singer in a duo with his brother Ricky at the backyard BBQ’s. He had a smile that could light up a room and a witty sense of humor. After 5 minutes with him, he could have you on the floor laughing like a child. He was truly young at heart until the end. He was not the best person to sit next to if silence and seriousness were required because he’d have you bursting out in laughter in a quiet room. In his last years of life, even though his body and health changed, his eyes were full of warmth and love just as they’d always been. His humor was still there, you just had to listen a little closer. When he saw his children and grandchildren enter the room his eyes would light up with joy. And when he saw his sweetheart Bertie he was always filled with comfort and warmth, knowing their love was unconditional and that she would stay by his side until the end. He is preceded in death by his parents Julio and Paulita Jimenez, his siblings Joe, Julio, Rudy, Josie, Rose, Mary and Elida. His legacy will live on through his beloved wife of 28 years, Bertha Jimenez; his children Tricia (Gerardo), Tracie (Billy), Carmelo Jr. (Elizabeth); his siblings Rick, Emilio, Catarino, Edna and Grace; his grandchildren Breanna, Max, Jerry, Don Michael Jr., Mitchell, Matthew, Nick, Jared, Nicholas, Isaiah, Skylynn, Dylan Jaclyn, Elisa, Leyah; great grandchildren Niko, Leilani, Jazziah, Raelynn, Anaiyah, and Anthony; sibling in laws Joe (Sandra), George, Richard (Barbara) Reyes and their children Roman, Sabrina, Oriana, Clayton, Matthew and Preston. Not to mention his many nieces and nephews. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. The family would like to express their appreciation to the Compassus Agency staff, for the great care they provided. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, November 2, 2022, from 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm with a rosary to be recited at 6:00 pm at Mission Park Funeral Chapels South. The Funeral Mass will be on Thursday, November 3, 2022, at 12:00 pm at Mission Concepción with a funeral procession to depart the funeral home at 11:30 am. Interment to follow at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery. Potluck Reception to Follow at VFW 650 E White San Antonio, Texas 78214.

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Carmelo Mendez Jimenez Sr.

May 10, 1946 - October 19, 2022