Efrain "John" Mendoza

Efrain “John” Mendoza, of Dayton, Ohio, passed away on September 21, 2026, at the age of 87. He was born on December 17, 1938, in Rio Grande, Texas.

John graduated from Rio Grande City High School in 1956 and went on to build a life marked by dedication, service, and deep love for his family. He served in the United States Air Force for 22 years and 3 months, retiring in 1987. During his military career, he served as a General’s Aid and was honored with the National Defense Medal, the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, the Air Force Good Conduct Medal with 6 Oak Leaf Clusters, the Air Force Commendation Medal, and the Air Force Achievement Medal. His years of service reflected the discipline, commitment, and strong work ethic that defined his life.

It was while in Germany that John met the love of his life, Judy. On the very day he met her, he told his friends, “This is the woman I am going to marry.” That moment became the beginning of a beautiful life together, and he and his wife Judith shared 62 years of marriage filled with devotion, partnership, and love. They enjoyed traveling together, and one of the many gifts he shared with her was his talent in the kitchen—he was a great cook and even taught Judy how to cook.

John will be remembered as funny, kind, loving, generous, and hardworking. He was a true family man and a voice of reason, someone anyone could go to for advice. He passed his strong work ethic down to his family, and his proudest accomplishment was always the family he loved so deeply. He found joy in life’s simple and meaningful moments: dancing, playing pool with his grandchildren, running, playing racquetball, barbecuing, cooking, and above all, spending time with those he loved.

He leaves behind his beloved wife, Judith; his children, Belinda (Edd Anderson)  Mozel and Michael (Deana Siegert) Mendoza; his grandchildren, Monique (Nathan) Reeves, Dominic (Chelsea) Mozel, Cecilia (Michael) Wallman, Efrain "Michael" Mendoza, Steven (Andy) Mendoza, and James Mendoza; his great-grandchildren, Christian, Layla, Kellen, Maddox, Maya, Avery, Levi, and Avaluna; and his brother, Eloy (Lydia) Mendoza. He also leaves the lasting memory of a man whose love, guidance, and steady presence shaped the lives of those around him.

He was preceded in death by his parents Ernesto and Carolina Mendoza, brothers Ernesto Mendoza, Eliazar Mendoza, and Hector Mendoza, and by his sister Carolina Mendoza.

Visitation will be held on October 1, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Newcomer Funeral Home, Beavercreek, 3380 Dayton Xenia Rd, Beavercreek, Ohio 45432. A funeral service will follow at 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home. He will be laid to rest at Dayton National Cemetery.  

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation in John's memory to Tunnel to Towers. 

To view the livestream of John's service please click here. 

John’s life was one of service, strength, warmth, and unwavering love for his family. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.