Candelario Mendez, Jr., a lifelong resident of Karnes County, entered eternal rest at 1:34 A.M., on January 23, 2012 at the Connally Memorial Medical Center in Floresville, Texas at the age of 67.

Candelario was born to Candelario Mendez, Sr., and Francisca Reyes Mendez, on June 28, 1944 in Choate, Texas.

Candelario is survived by his son, Reynato Mendez of Kenedy; his daughters; Dalia Rodriguez and husband Antonio of Kenedy, Delia Beltran of Sweetwater and Adelita Solano of Sweetwater; his sisters Oralia Amaya, Martha DeLuna and Juanita Gonzales; his brother Raul Mendez; his companion, Guadalupe Escobedo; his 18 grandchildren and his 1 great-grandchild.

He is preceded in death by his parents; his son, Charles Mendez; and his wife, Petra Flores Mendez.

Visitation began, Wednesday, January 25, 2012, and a rosary was recited at 7:00 P.M., in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel. Funeral Mass was celebrated at 10:00 at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church with Rev. Leon Rubaj officiating. Burial followed in the Choate Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers were, David Reyes, Tavares Hines, Antonio Rodriguez, Martin Perez, Elliott Beltran and Juan Solano.