SIMON H. MENDOZA, 100 years old of Doña Ana and formally of Rincon, entered eternal life Tuesday, October 3, 2023, at his home surrounded by his loving family. He was born October 28, 1922, in Anthony, to Ruperto and Tomasa Mendoza. He was married to Josefina "Fina" Mendoza and had their first-born child, Henry when he was drafted into the Army. He reported to Fort Bliss, for basic training followed by San Luis Obispo for desert training and Honolulu, Hawaii for sniper training. Simon was assigned to the 6th Infantry Division. On December 26, 1943, he was shipped to New Guinea for jungle training that further prepared him for combat in the South Pacific, New Guinea, and the Philippines.

SGT Mendoza remembered vividly the assault on Luzon in the Philippines that started on January 9, 1945, and lasted 219 days of combat set by the division. At the end of WWII, the division men were the most heavily engaged troops in the U.S. Army fighting a total of 306 days of combat.  On August 15, 1945, General Douglas MacArthur pinned the Bronze Medal on SGT Simon H. Mendoza; a great honor attributed to his bravery. Simon credits his family and volunteer work for making his life enjoyable. He coached Little League, Pony League, Senior League, Rincon Cubs, and two championships with Hatch Bears. Also umpired for eight years in Hatch and Rincon. He was very active as a volunteer and usher at the two Catholic Churches as well.

Simon was a dedicated hard-working man with great work ethics. He was employed by Walter Archer and later by Louis Biad; he enjoyed working at the farm in Rincon for more than 25 years.

He is survived by two daughters, Maria Elena Lucero, and Linda Mendoza: three sisters, Mary Quintana, Ramona Flores, and Romelia Rodriguez. Other survivors include eight grandchildren, twelve great-grandchildren, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Simon was preceded in death by his wife of 75 years Josefina Mendoza; his parents, Ruperto and Tomasa Mendoza; sons, Henry, and Larry Mendoza; and a daughter, Tina Marie Mendoza.

Funeral Services will he held on Tuesday, October 17, 2023, at Our Lady of Purification Catholic Church, 5525 Cristo Rey in Doña Ana with the visitation at 9:30 AM followed by the Prayer Vigil at 10 AM. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated immediately thereafter with the Reverend Martin Cordero Celebrant.  Interment will follow at the Doña Ana Cemetery. Military Honors will be accorded by the United State Army Honor Guard and the Marines Corps League El Perro Diablo Detachment.

Serving as casket bearers will be his six grandsons, Eddie, Michael and Robert Trujillo, Hank, Jerry, and Andrew Mendoza.

Service arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Baca's Funeral Chapels of Las Cruces, 300 E. Boutz Road, 527-2222. Your exclusive provider for "Veterans and Family Memorial Care." For online condolences logon to www.bacasfuneralchapelslascruces.com