10/17/1943 --- 3/31/2022
Fred David Mendez (78) passed away March 31 at Medical Center of the Rockies. Fred was born in Longmont October 17, 1943 to Pedro and Juana (Rodriguez) Mendez. Fred was married to Barbara Garcia in 1966. They had 4 children: Fred Mendez Jr. (Melissa Mendez), Pablo Mendez, Miguel Mendez (Jamie Mendez) and Jessica Mendez Wallen (Mike Wallen). He has 8 wonderful grandchildren. Caleb 23, Kylee 20, Calvin 17, Mason 10, Nova 4, Elly 2, Cameron 22 and Caelan 20.
Fred graduated from Longmont High School in 1962. He was on the wrestling team for 3 years and placed 3rd at the State Championships. He is represented on the Wall of Fame at Longmont High School. After high school he joined the Army on June 15, 1962. Fred proudly served his county for 3 years. During those three years he received the Good Conduct Medal, became an expert with M-14 Rifles, was a sharpshooter (Carbine) and received his parachute badge. He was a member of the 101st Airborne Green Beret Special Forces. He was also an auto mechanic in the military. Fred was Honorably discharged on June 3,1965. After him serving, Fred worked at IBM for approximately 30 years as a machinist and in the field of shipping and receiving.
Fred was an avid outdoorsman, who loved fishing and hunting with his kids and grandkids. Fred enjoyed camping in the mountains with his family, as many stories and laughs could be shared over a campfire. When not camping and hunting you would find Fred outside in his yard taking care of his garden. He was also a member of the American Legion post 32 of Longmont since 1965. Fred spent many weekends at Beaver Lake, enjoying time with family and other legion members competing in horseshoe tournaments. Bowling on a league with his sons was another hobby he enjoyed. Whatever Fred did, he did with his kids! That is a lesson that his kids hold close. They now share quality time with their children teaching them about the outdoors, hunting, fishing wrestling and bowling.
Fred is survived by his kids and grandkids, his ex-wife, Barbara Mendez, his three sisters, Sarah Valencia, Vera Sandoval, and Virginia Ebert, and numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his mother and father, his sister’s Lollie Lopez and Lupe Sandoval. His brothers, Hank Mendez, Gilbert Mendez, Pete Mendez Jr., and Richard Mendez.
A reception to Celebrate Fred’s life will be held from 11:30 am -1:30 pm at the American Legion 315 S. Bowen St. Longmont, Co. 80501 on Tuesday April 12th. There will be a light lunch and cash bar available. Please come and share stories and memories you have of Fred aka “MOOSE”.
