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Phillip Mendoza
Passed away to the Glory of Jesus on Sunday, March 22. He was a dedicated Father and devoted to Karen, the love of his life; his best friend; his romance; his hope and joy; his life partner. He is survived by Karen, and one daughter Debbie of Oklahoma City. His surviving siblings include Tony, Lydia, Richard, Fred and Cathy; and sisters in law Rebecca, Mary, Connie, Gloria, Jean, Rose Marie; and brothers in law Bob and Larry.
He was born in Coffeyville, Kansas October 29, 1946. He is preceded in death by his parents, Bernie and Evarista Mendoza; and siblings Jesse, Corrine, Charlie, Pete, and Joe; and numerous classmates from Field Kindley High School Coffeyville, Kansas Class of 1965.
Phillip’s career path was fascinating. He enjoyed the profession of Marketing and Media related business ownership. Formerly owned a Radio Station, Community Newspaper; and Native American Art and Jewelry Broker and Artist. He was a recognized Photographer and Abstract painter. He compiled a collection of approximately 75,000 photos of his travel and photo artistry.
He and Karen traveled extensively throughout England, France, Italy, Spain, Germany, Czech Republic, Poland, Switzerland, Austria, Mexico, Egypt, Greece, and Russia. In the United States, it was their beloved Estes Park, Colorado they revered the most. Their love for travel was only surpassed by their love for each other.
Phillip was one of those rare “Never met a stranger” persona. Whether a dignitary, a corporate leader, people of all professional disciplines and walks of life, celebrities, young and old, of all faiths, of all political interests…they all found that a conversation with Phillip to be fascinating.
To celebrate his life, we ask that you offer an act of kindness to a stranger or someone you love.
Jane Zavala says
Phillip and I share a hometown and a long Facebook history. What a magnificent man! He thrilled me with his global adventures. He inspired me with his Faith and positivity. And he challenged me to trust in God in all things, to uplift others in spite of what is happening in my life, and to endure pain with Grace – always giving thanks to our Lord and to others. I’ll miss him a lot.
PATTY NANCE says
LOVE AND PRAYERS TO ALLN OF THE FAMILY, ESPECIALLY TO YOU KAREN…MY HEART ACHES FOR YOU. BUT FIND COMFORT IN
KNOWING THAT HE WALKS WITH JESUS…
AND SOARS WITH THE EAGLES….HIS SPIRIT…WAS SO PURE!!
SUCH AN INSPIRATION TO US ALL!! GOD LOVE AND COMFORT ALL OF YOU IN THIS DIFFICULT TIME!!
Linda Hale says
i am one of the graduates of the Coffeyville Class of 1965, who graduated with Phil. We all go back a long way. Phil will truly be missed by all. I loved his bright smile and positive outlook no matter what life handed him. I will miss his wonderful posts on Facebook. My simpathy to you, Karen, and to Phil’s family.
Debbie Bland says
Prayers for the family of Mr. Mendoza. I never had the opportunity to be blessed by knowing him. I did notice a very nice gentlemen each day in the waiting room at the hospital and it started with a nod and a smile. I am so blessed to have spent a few minutes with Fred. Such a charming man who told me about this amazing man. I am glad to hear his suffering is over.
Take care,
Larry and Kathy Seigel says
Larry had the privilege of growing-up with Phillip as his neighbor; I have only known Phillip for about 3 years, but we both are very fond of him and considered it a privilege to call him a friend. The last couple of years of his Facebook posts have endured him to many of his FB friends. An amazing person who touched many lives.
Praying for comfort for all his family and friends.
Jim and Jo Lynn Falkner says
Phil was a one in a million man. The years in Coffeyville are the most wonderful years; playing in the school yard, riding our bikes up big hill, swimming in the “big pool”, Holy Name socials, then on to dances and CYO conventions. Our paths crossed so often throughout our lives. He was a super person who loved every one he came into contact with. We were like brothers and sisters and will be seeing him again someday. Until we see him again.
Ruthann Flickinger-Couturier says
To Karen, Deb and All of the Mendoza Family: I am so glad to call Phillip a friend. He had this magic about him that just drew you to him. He has endured so much this last year and was so strong and determined through it all and although we will all miss him we know he is with Jesus and has no more pain. Love and prayers go out to you all. Rest In Peace dear friend.
Diana Freeman says
Phillip friended me on Facebook. When he & Karen came to Coffeyville for their reunion I met them in person. I followed them on their trips. I was blessed & inspired by his faith & Karen’s. I will miss him & keep Karen & his family in my prayers.
Glenda Effinget Henning says
I thought of Phillip today… Was so impressed to seek out if there was an obituary. The magic still exists … Really think he said good bye. His obituary was fitting to such a unique individual.
Mark Dulin says
Deepest sympathy to Karen and Phil’s family. We grew up together in Coffeyville (class of ’65). He lived a good life and had a wonderful wife. I was hoping he’d hang in there till our 50th HS reunion as it would have been great to say goodbye in person. Goodbye Phil, we’ll miss you and the other classmates who passed too soon. Big hug to Karen in this difficult time, Mark
charlotte sumner says
There are not enough words to describe Phil Mendoza…He was a classmate in 1965…We reconnected several years ago in Oklahoma City. I learned that Phil was a man who first loved God, Karen, and life. What wonderful accomplishments he and Karen had together..Phil encouraged his friends when they needed encouragement, his jokes and ability to make you laugh were amazing..He never had a cross word to say about anyone. Even during his fight for his life he let all of us know what an inspiration he was. He showed us how to live..and how to die in grace. He thanked God for everyday of his life..Thank you Phil for being my friend..I will always remember you…We will meet again one day in Gods beautiful Heaven..Until then…rest in peace…Charlotte
Brenda Trotter says
I will always remember Phil fondly; although not knowing him well while growing up, I knew Fred well but not Phil. We later in life became acquainted in that wonderful forum of facebook where all of my classmates have rekindled their friendships. Phil was an all inspiring man, with a heart filled with love for others and a forgiving soul. He will be remembered by me fondly for his message to others of example in love, faith, courage and forgiveness. Party on Phil, I know there are feasts to be had where you now live. Prayers for Karen’s strength to carry your light until you both meet again.
Brenda