Rafael Casares Mendoza, Jr., 63, a resident of Dickinson, Texas, passed from this life on May 27, 2025. He was born on March 24, 1962 in Galveston, Texas to parents, Rafael Casares Mendoza, Sr. and Aurelia “ Lela” Mercado.

A Marine Reservist after graduating from Ball High School in 1980, and an electrician by trade, he started working at UTMB in the physical plant in 1992 and retired as the Construction Design Manager in 2022 after 30 years of service. He enjoyed NASCAR, spaghetti westerns, woodworking & crafts, drawing, crosswords, sudoku, listening to George Strait, spending time with his grandchildren & great-grandchildren, family game nights, and the Dallas Cowboys.

He is preceded in death by his loving wife of 41 years Imelda Mendoza and his parents. He leaves behind to treasure his memory, daughters, AnaLilia Ortega (Derek) and Cristina Mendoza; sons, Rafael Mendoza, III. (Kathrine) and Carlos Ancira (Ric); nine grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Sisters, Maricella Ramos (Roberto) and Gloria Ramos (Jose) as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

In his honor, there will be a visitation on Wednesday, June 4, 2025 from 5:00pm to 7:00pm at Crowder Funeral Home in Dickinson, Texas. A graveside service will be held on Thursday, June 5, 2025 at 11:00am at Galveston Memorial Park Cemetery in Hitchcock, Texas.

Serving as pallbearers are Rafael C. Mendoza, III, Carlos Ancira, Anthony Garza, Aaron Garza, Courtney Wells, Matthew Mendoza, Benjamin Ancira, and Derek Ortega.