Henry Mendoza

Henry C. Mendoza, 87, of Jackson passed away Thursday, Feb. 13, 2014, at his home.

He was born April 12, 1926, in Cottonwood, Ariz., to Enrique and Gavena Contreas Mendoza. He and Petra "Pat" Ruby were married May 22, 1949, in Yuma, Ariz.

Cpl. Mendoza was an honorably discharged veteran of the U.S. Army, serving during World War II.

Henry and Pat lived many years in El Centro, Calif. He worked 30 years at U.S. Gypsum in Plaster City, Calif., retiring as a foreman in 1988. They were longtime members of St. Mary's Catholic Church in El Centro. Upon moving to Jackson in 2007, they became members of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church.

Henry was an avid gardener. After retirement he enjoyed woodworking, trading at swap meets and playing bingo.

Loving survivors include his wife of nearly 65 years, Pat of Jackson; two children, Linda (Ron) Hitt of Jackson and Henry "Jake" Mendoza of Los Angeles; two grandchildren, James (Heidi) Hitt of Burfordville and Christa Hitt of Jackson; two great-grandchildren, Matthew and Lydia Hitt; and a third great-grandchild expected in June.

Also surviving is a sister, Rebecca; two brothers-in-law, Paul (Olalia) Ruby of Beeville, Texas, and Gilbert Ruby of Santa Paula, Calif.; two sisters-in-law, Eppie (John) Hitt of Huntington Beach, Calif., and Sylvia (John) Lawson of Alturas, Calif.; and nieces to whom he was close, Karen Vermerren, Debbie Baumann and Joni Moreland.

He was preceded in death by a granddaughter, Mary Elizabeth Hitt.

Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Monday at the chapel of McCombs Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Jackson. Deacon Walt Biri will lead parish prayers at 7, immediately followed by the rosary, led by the Marian Prayer Group of Immaculate Conception Church.

Funeral Mass will be at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at Immaculate Conception Church, with the Revs. John Harth and Jose Araque concelebrating. Full military honors will be accorded at a committal service at 2 p.m. Tuesday in the Missouri State Veterans Cemetery in Bloomfield.

Memorials may take the form of contributions to Immaculate Conception Church in Jackson or Jackson Ministerial Alliance Food Pantry.

Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting mccombsfuneralhome.com.