STANTON - Apolonio (Polo) Mendez III, 54, died Jan. 14, 2020, in a Lubbock hospital. He spent two months at the University Medical Center Burn Unit, and another two months at Covenant Specialty Hospital after suffering electrical burns.
Viewing and family visitation was Jan. 17, from at Stanton Memorial Funeral Home in Stanton.
Funeral services were conducted on Jan. 18, at the Stanton High School Auditorium. Interment followed immediately after at Evergreen Cemetery in Martin County.
Mendez was born in Big Spring, on April 19, 1965, to Raul and Mary Mendez. He was raised in Stanton and graduated from Stanton High School in 1983. He enlisted into the Texas National Guard serving many years. He was introduced into the commercial electrical field by Abe Sanchez and after many years of working throughout Texas and Quincy Illinois later gained his master-electricians license. He also helped jump start the West Texas Utility Company in partnership with Emilio Villa and Jeremy Esparza.
He was a huge Dallas Cowboys fan always discussing and cussing The Boys from season to season. He enjoyed fishing, spending time with family and friends; and barbecues. He created many memories at the American Legion Hall Post 506 in Big Spring, Texas.
He is preceded in death by his grandparents, Lupe Garza Sr., Luisa S. Garza, Apolonio Mendez and Theresa Mendez.
Mendez is survived by his parents; son Apolonio Robert Mendez IV of Stanton; sister Leticia Ramos (Daniel) of Stanton; brother David Mendez (Filitsa) of Odessa. Nephews John Ramos (Diana) of Midland; Chris Ramos (Marlowe) of San Antonio; Alex Mendez, Kristian Mendez, Niko Mendez and George Mendez all of Odessa. Nieces Marena Mendez and Neena Mendez both from Odessa. Also great nephews Joaquin Ramos and Andres Ramos of Midland. Great nieces Estella Ramos and Emilia Ramos of Midland; and Monserrat Ramos of San Antonio. Also many uncles and aunts, along with numerous cousins.
Pallbearers will be Freddie Villa, Tony Hernandez, Robert Barrera, Martin Arguello, Chris Rangel, Abe Sanchez, Eli Sanchez, Randy Nevarez, Gilbert Garza and Mark Helms.
Honorary pallbearers will be Niko Mendez, Brad Elliott, Chad Elliott, Victor Garza, Frankie Garza, PJ Garza, Bert Garza, Roger Andrews, Baldimar Torres, Emilio Villa, Jeremy Esparza, John Hernandez, Emilio (JR) Garza, Lupe Moreno, and Richard Martinez.
High school classmates Koy Blocker, Bobby Barnhill, Nicky Reyna, Tommy Esparza, Tracy Spinks, Michael Marquez, Tony Ramos, Tommy Ramos, Joe Ortiz, Scott Church, Maurizio Iaquaniello and Javier Flores (deceased).
Funeral services were under the direction of Stanton Memorial Funeral Home.