Nestor “Chato” B. Mendoza surrounded by his beloved family entered into eternal rest on Tuesday, May 24, 2016 in Van Horn, Texas. He was 82.
Chato was born on April 28, 1934 in Pilares, Chih. Mexico to Viviano and Tomasa Mendoza, Chato married the love of his life Otila on July 19, 1959 and they spent 56 wonderful years together raising a family and making a life for them which included Chato building his family home.
Chato was owner of Otis Café for 11 years. He enjoyed meeting new people and befriending them.
Chato loved to tell jokes and loved being the “George Burns” of his family and friends. His favorite NFL team was the Dallas Cowboys in which he and Otila enjoyed cheering them on game day. Nestor was a member of Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church in which he was also a member of the morning choir. Chato loved to raise his voice in worship to Jesus Christ his personal Lord and Savior, thus instilling a love of God to his children, grandchildren and all who knew Chato.
Chato was always available to give his family advice, there was never a time that his family and friends could not go to him with a problem, and he was not able to offer his aged advice and wisdom to them. Further, he taught his family to be very generous and helpful to all that ever needed it. Through this Chato displayed the Love of Christ the same as Christ did.
Visitation was held on Friday, May 27, 2016 at Heritage Funeral Home from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Rosary was recited on Friday, May 27, 2016 at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church at 7:00 p.m. and Mass of Christian Burial was held on Saturday, May 28, 2016 with Father Saul officiating. Burial followed at the Van Horn Cemetery with a meal following at the Van Horn Convention Center.
Chato is preceded in death by both his parents, Viviano and Tomasa Mendoza.
Chato is survived by his wife of 56 years Otila, his son Nestor B. Mendoza, Jr. of Sierra Blanca, his daughters Martha Martinez of Panhandle, Bilma Molina and Linda Hillin of Van Horn, and Tomasa Gonzales of El Paso. His brothers Julio Mendoza of Presidio, Ismael Mendoza of Van Horn, Eliseo Mendoza of El Paso, his sisters Maria Penà of Chapparrall, New Mexico and Adella Lujan of Lovington, New Mexico, as well as 19 grandchildren, 29 great grandchildren and 1 great- great grandchild as well as numerus nieces , nephews and wonderful friends.
Services have been entrusted to Heritage Funeral Home of Van Horn, Texas. Online condolences may be made at: www.pecosfuneralhome.com
