Tributes

Joe L. Mendes passed away in an accident at the age of 83. He was born in Stevinson, CA on December 7, 1932 to the parents of Joe C. and Mary R. Mendes. In 1936 his parents bought a small ranch in Hilmar where Joe lived. After graduating from Hilmar High School he enlisted in the Air Force from Sept 18, 1952 to July 25, 1956. Upon his discharge, he returned to the family ranch. In June of 1954, he met the love of his life, Mary Dolores Toste, and they were married Sept 15, 1956. Joe was a lifelong resident of Hilmar, where he became a diversified farmer. He was involved in the Hilmar community and served on the Hilmar High School Board as a Trustee for 23 years. He was also involved in several community organizations including Ag Advisory Committee, Holy Rosary Catholic Church, YMI, Knights of Columbus, and SES. Joe had a passion for farming, mechanical engineering, and fabrication of equipment. His other passion was traveling and having dinners with his family and friends. He also enjoyed attending country artist concerts at local venues. But all these paled in comparison to the love and pride he felt towards his family. Joe is survived by his wife of 59 years, Dolores (Toste) Mendes, and his 7 children: Lucy (Terry) Pippin of Turlock, Larry Mendes of Patterson, Ernest (Robin) Mendes of Turlock, Edward (Debbie) Mendes, Mike Mendes, Joseph (Stephanie) Mendes all of Hilmar, Lance (Michelle) Mendes of Dallas, TX, and 11 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren. Joe leaves a brother, Tony (Yonnie) Mendes, David (Mary Ann) Mendes, of Hilmar. His brother-in-laws Alan “Bud” Serpa of Turlock, John Toste of Hilmar and Francis Toste of Hawthorne, NV. He is predeceased by his parents Joe C and Mary R Mendes, his sisters Lucy Mendes, Mamie (Joe) Carvalho, and Amelia Serpa; and nephews Stephen Serpa, and Albert Carvalho. Visitation will be held Thursday, September 8th at Turlock Memorial Park from 3pm to 5pm and then from 6pm to 7pm at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, in Hilmar followed by a Rosary at 7pm. A mass of Christian burial will be held at Holy Rosary Catholic Church on Friday, September 9th at 10am. Entombment will follow at Turlock Memorial Park. Remembrances can be made to the Holy Rosary Building Fund, PO Box 429, Hilmar, CA 95324.

Tributes

Joe Louis Mendes Jr.

December 7, 1932 - September 1, 2016