Guillermo V. ’Willie’ Mendoza 99, of Odessa, passed away Sunday July 12, 2026, at his residence. Guillermo Venegas Mendoza was born February 10, 1927, In El Mimbre, Chihuahua, Mexico to Felipe Mendoza and Vivana Venegas Mendoza. Due to the passing of his birth mother at an early age, he was raised by his father Felipe and stepmother, Piedad Baeza Mendoza.

Although he had very little formal education, he was self-taught and one of the wisest men we ever knew. Through determination, hard work, and a willingness to keep learning, he built a life of integrity and inspired everyone around him. He married Hortencia Rodríguez Mendoza on November 19, 1951, in Ojinaga, Mexico. He worked on Ranches until they relocated to Odessa, Texas where he worked for Jones Brothers for 18 years. Thereafter, he was self-employed as a Dump Truck Driver until the age of 89. He was a devout Catholic and a God-fearing man who instilled a strong faith into his family.

Guillermo is preceded in death by his parents, Felipe and Viviana, his stepmother Piedad Baeza Mendoza, brothers, Medardo, Vivian and Pedro Medoza and sisters, Dolores Mendoza, Maria Escarcega, Gloria Lopez and Eduviges Gonzales.

He is survived by his five children, Julie (Gilbert+) Rodriguez, Isela (Eloy) Gomez, Viviana (Omar) Sandoval, Willie (Norma) Mendoza and Mike (Michelle) Mendoza, brothers, Ramon Mendoza and Jose Dolores “Lole” Mendoza and sisters, Ana Maria Maldonado, Lidia Alvarez and Carmen Albo,

Guillermo also leaves to cherish his memory Fourteen grandchildren, JoAnn Hernandez (Salvador+), Ryan Rodriguez (Marisela), Darren (Arlene) Sandoval, Vanessa Flores, Brittany Casarez (Joseph), Bri’ Ann Rodriguez, Bianca Sandoval (Manuel), Daphne Valdez (Modesto), Christopher Mendoza, Brooke Mendoza, Dylan (Noelly) Sandoval, Bridgett Mendoza (Paul), Kendra Mendoza and Luke Mendoza. Twenty-nine great-grandchildren and six great-great grandchildren.

Visitation is set for Wednesday July 15, 2026, from 1pm-9pm with a rosary set for 7pm at Martinez Funeral Home chapel.

Funeral mass will be at 10am Thursday July 16, 2026, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church with Father Frank Chavez officiating.

Burial will follow at Ector County Cemetery in the Odessa II section.

Pallbearers will be Ryan Rodriguez, Darren Sandoval, Christopher Mendoza, Dylan Sandoval, Justin Hernandez, Luke Mendoza, Joseph Casarez and Mason Rodriguez.

Honorary Pallbearers Zayden Rodriguez, Maverick Sandoval and William Mendoza.

The Family of Guillermo Mendoza wishes to extend our sincere thanks to Dr. Scotty Ortega and St. Josephs Home Health for the love and care provided to Guillermo.