Santana Mendoza

Santana Mendoza, beloved husband, father, son, and brother, passed away just a few days after his 57th birthday on Wednesday, November 11, 2020 in Decatur, Texas. Santana Mendoza started life’s journey on Friday, November 8, 1963 in El Salvador. He was born to his parents, Santana and Luisa Mendoza, and he was the fifth oldest of his ten siblings. Although El Salvador was in his blood, Santana always thought of the United States as his home. However, his true home was always with his wife and family. He met his wife, Amelia, when they lived in the same apartment complex. From the moment they met, Amelia knew he was the one for her. Together, Santana and Amelia had 3 sons, Andrew, Robert, and Emilio, and a daughter, Taylor Rose. Santana loved his family so very much, and he worked hard to provide for them. He worked in international packaging where he ran the forklift and also did carpentry work. As a carpenter, he built special crates with windows to make it easier for customs to inspect the shipped goods. When Santana wasn’t working, he enjoyed many different aspects of life. He enjoyed watching and playing soccer. Santana’s favorite team was FC Barcelona, and he cheered for them in victory and defeat. He also cheered on the Dallas Cowboys from time to time. Santana grilled delicious fajitas and made his family papusa. One of Santana’s other favorite foods was tamarind. Santana also enjoyed working on cars like his Toyota. It seemed like Santana could almost fix anything he set his mind to. He also worked on things around his house and yard. When he mowed his yard, Santana always wore his sombrero and listened to music on his earbuds. Although Santana loved the comforts of his home, he also loved to travel the world. He traveled to various places like Portland, Oregon, El Salvador, Florida, Chicago, Illinois, California, and even Italy. While in Italy, he visited Rome and the Vatican City where he enjoyed some hot dogs. Among all the joys in his life, Santana cherished his family the most. His love, his lessons, and his legacy have impacted his wife, sons, and so many loved ones. Santana and his wonderful smile will never be forgotten.

Santana Mendoza is survived by his loving wife, Amelia Mendoza; his beloved sons, Andrew Mendoza, Robert Mendoza, and Emilio Mendoza; his parents, Santana and Luisa Mendoza; his siblings, Martha Mendoza, Salvador Mendoza, Pedro Mendoza, Agustin Mendoza, Javier Mendoza, Rudis Mendoza, Edis Mendoza, and Luis Mendoza; along with many nieces, nephews, and family members. Santana Mendoza is preceded in death by his baby daughter, Taylor Rose Mendoza, and his oldest brother, Hernan Mendoza.

A Life Celebration for Santana Mendoza will be held at Hughes Family Tribute Center, and he will be laid to rest at Crown Hill Memorial Park with his daughter.