Ben Mendez

Ben Patrick Mendez, 85, of Shiner, passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by his family on Saturday, January 24, 2026. 
Ben was born on August 20, 1940, at home in Lavaca County to Antonio and Lillie Carrington Mendez.  He was a member of Sts. Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church and the Shiner American Legion Post 201.
Ben attended Shiner Elementary and Shiner High School and graduated with the Class of 1959. He served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War and was honorably discharged in 1965. Ben had retired from his long and faithful service working for the City of Shiner.
Ben enjoyed being with his family, fishing at Port Aransas, BBQing while enjoying a cold Shiner Bock and tending to his garden. He also loved watching football, especially keeping up with his favorite teams, the Shiner Comanches and the Texas Longhorns.
He is survived by his loving family, his wife of 46 years, Deborah Mendez; daughters, Megan Machacek (Keith) and Savanna Gutierrez; grandchildren, Caroleena Gutierrez and Landon Machacek. 
He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Molly Machacek, Mary Gutierrez, LaLa Rodriguez, Esther Martinez and Lupe Rocha; and brother, Librado Mendez.
Prayers of the Holy Rosary were recited at 6 p.m. Sunday, February 1 at Shiner Funeral Home. 
A Memorial Mass was celebrated at 11 a.m. Monday, February 2 at Sts. Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church, with the Rev. Aaron Padilla officiating.
Interment followed in the Shiner Catholic Cemetery. 
Honorary pallbearers were Keith Machacek, Caroleena Gutierrez and Landon Machacek. 
Memorials may be made to Sts. Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church or the Shiner Academic and Athletic Foundation. 
Friends may leave their condolences to the family by visiting www.shinerfuneralhome.com. 
Services are under the care and direction of Shiner Funeral Home.