Mendez

Silviano “Nano” R. Mendez, devoted husband and beloved father, grandfather and greatgrandfather, passed away unexpectedly early on Thursday morning, April 25. Nano was 81 and passed peacefully into Our Savior’s arms at his home in Dimmitt, with many of his loving family at his bedside.

Nano was born to Lucas and Guadalupe Mendez on May 4, 1942, in Lyford in the Texas Rio Grande Valley, where he spent his youth along with his only sister, Martha. It was there where he developed many of the interests that later became what he enjoyed most and defined him during his life – music, cars, fishing, his faith and his family. In 1960, Nano met the woman that would be his first love, change his life forever and would become his life partner and beloved wife of almost 60 years, Estella Garcia. They were truly a match made in heaven, married on December 29, 1962, and decided to settle and build a home in Dimmitt, where they went on to have five children, Silviano Jr. (J.R.), Stella, Samuel, Suzanna and Lupe.

Along with Estella, Nano was incredibly passionate about sharing the love of our Lord with others and was an integral memberoftheImmaculateConception Church in Dimmitt. As a loyal servant to God, he spent many, many hours dedicating his life to Him and the service of others. He served the Church in so many ways – founding a musical group to play during the church services, participating in, cooking for and leading fundraising efforts with jamiacas and other events, repairing and refurbishing the church building, and helping in any way possible. He taught himself to play the guitar and to smoke the best brisket and other meats in the Panhandle area – all so he could help others. Nano worked with the Texas Dept. of Highways (now Dept. of Transportation) facility in Dimmitt for over 30 years before both he (and Estella) retired in 1999 so he could focus entirely on his true calling - being a devoted and adoring husband, loving father, and later an amazing grandfather.

Now that Nano has passed into the arms of our Lord, his family and many friends find comfort and solace in knowing that while this is the end of his physical life on Earth, it’s the beginning of an eternal and beautiful journey for him. He joins his father, Lucas; mother, Guadalupe; and daughter, Lupe, who preceded him into heaven; and is survived by many loving family members, including his sister, Martha Bastardo; son, Silviano Jr. (J.R.) and his wife Roseann; son, Sam and his wife Jacquette; daughter, Stella Legando and her husband Tony; and daughter, Sue Lee and her husband Cliff; along with 16 grandchildren and 10 greatgrandchildren (with another on the way in September).

Most importantly, Nano rejoins his beloved Estella who preceded him into the Kingdom of Heaven on October 29, 2022. During these 18 months since they were separated, he has missed her greatly every day since, and more with each passing day. He was ready to be with his “corazon” again. His family was blessed to have had them both with us for as long as we did. They lived a wonderful life, built an amazing marriage, and raised a beautiful family together. Dad was in good health to his last day and was living his life on his terms. We should all be as fortunate and blessed.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held onWednesday, May 1, at 10:30 a.m. at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Dimmitt with the Rev. David Contreras, Deacon John Nino, and Deacon Richard Martinez as celebrants. Burial will follow at West Lawn Cemetery in Dimmitt, under the direction of Colonial Funeral Home. Viewing and Visitation will be on Tuesday, April 30, from 3 to 7 p.m. at the funeral home with a Rosary/Vigil Service beginning at 5:30 p.m