With great sorrow we announce the passing of our kind, brave, caring and unimaginably generous son, husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, uncle and friend, Eulalio “Lalo” Mendoza. Born in Chihuahua, Mexico on May 28, 1953.  He lived on a ranch in San Onofre Municipio De Satevo, Chihuahua with his abuelos, his mother and his brothers.  He spent many days working in the fields with his grandfather and brothers. This is where he learned about hard work and perseverance. In 1964, at the age of 11, Lalo, his mother and brothers immigrated to Deming, N.M. joining his father where they settled and called home.  

While Lalo was growing up in Deming, he worked hard excelling in his academics during the school year and working in the fields during the summer time. He was always on the go and worked very hard. Lalo developed a passion for running and joined his high school cross country team; this hobby followed him throughout his life. He was active in school, he was in student council, a student athlete, and a very talented learner. In 1972, Lalo graduated from Deming High School and enlisted in the United States Air Force (USAF). 

Lalo spent the next 20 years serving his country in the USAF where he received his call name “Mendy”, traveled the world, and made many lifelong friends. He was stationed at Cannon Air Force Base in Clovis, N.M. and then to Holloman Air Force Base in Alamogordo, N.M. where he worked on the flight line at both air bases. Following his time in Cannon he was sent to Hahn Air Force Base in Germany where he continued to work on planes and build his career. This is also where he continued his love of running and competed in Volksmarches where he received many awards of achievement as a runner. After Germany, he moved back to Holloman AFB and then back to Cannon AFB where he stayed until he retired. Throughout Lalo’s military career, he has been to Spain, Italy, England, Korea and many more places. Who would have thought a man from humble beginnings would become a world traveler? He received many awards and honors during his military career. Most of all, he loved working with his team and helping them become successful air men. On October 31, 1992, Lalo retired as a Master Sergeant (MSGT) and was on to his next adventure.

After retiring, Lalo moved back to Deming and began his next career as a full-time student. He attended New Mexico State University (NMSU) and earned his Bachelors of Science degree in Spanish Education in 1996. Soon after, he began his teaching career in Las Cruces, N.M. where he taught in the Bilingual programs at Camino Real Middle School and Picacho Middle School. Lalo pursued a master's degree at NMSU and graduated in 2005 with his Masters of Arts degree in Educational Administration. Soon after graduating, he began his career in Deming and worked at Hofacket Middle School and then transitioned to Deming High School as an assistant principal. Lalo retired in 2018 as the principal of Deming Intermediate School. His retirement did not last very long. He began working as a migrant liaison in the Hatch Valley Public School district where he worked with families to ensure that they had resources to assist their transition to the United States. This was where his life and career came full circle. Immigrating to the U.S. as a young boy and then helping those who had recently immigrated. Lalo was a passionate educator who always advocated for his students. He loved his students and wanted nothing more for them to be successful. As a leader, he wanted nothing more than to ensure his colleagues and students thrived. 

Lalo leaves behind his mother, Genoveva Mendoza; his wife of 31 years, Hermelinda “Linda” Mendoza; 4 daughters Teresa Mendoza (David), Gloria Mendoza-Christensen (Jeffery), Eliza Aguirre (Stephen) and Ariana Araiza; 7 adoring grandchildren Joshua Mendoza, Jori Taylor, Jonathan Sanchez, Alexis Sanchez, Stevie Aguirre, Antonio Aguirre, Ivan Araiza, and a great grandchild, Bennett Blair; 4 siblings Jose Mendoza, Apolonio Mendoza (Norma), Hector Mendoza (Patty) and Yolanda Miranda (Johnny), many nieces, nephews and countless friends, colleagues, students and acquaintances. He was preceded in death by his father Ramon Mendoza, brother-in-law Felix Carbajal and sister-in-law Blaza Carbajal. 

Visitation will begin Thursday, November 2, 2023 from 4 to 6 o’clock in the evening at Baca’s Funeral Chapel with the Holy Rosary to be recited at 6. Mass of Christian burial will then be celebrated the following day Friday, November 3, 2023 at 10 o’clock in the morning at Holy Family Catholic Church. The rite of committal and interment will follow at Mountain View Cemetery. Fr. Prakasham Babu, Pastor will officiate. Full Military Honors will be rendered by the United States Air Force.

Pallbearers will serve as Martin Mendoza, Brian Pope, Joshua Mendoza, Jonathan Sanchez, Antonio Aguirre, Alexis Sanchez, Jori Taylor, Stevie Aguirre, Ivan Araiza, and Bennett Blair. Honorary Pallbearer will serve as Julian Monjaras.

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