Gilberto Alan Mendoza Jr.

Gilbert Alan Mendoza, Jr. It is with unspeakable sadness that the family of Gilbert Alan Mendoza, Jr., age 39, announces his passing. Gilbert passed away at his residence on December 1, 2024.

Memorial Service will start at 6pm at the Vista Community Church, Temple, TX on Saturday, December 7th, 2024

Gilbert was born on July 24, 1985, in Temple, Texas, to Gilbert Sr. and Tina Mendoza. Growing up Gilbert attended Belton schools. At a young age he accepted Christ as his Savior and was baptized at Fellowship Baptist Church. At 15, Gilbert met the love of his life, Erika McKeever, and the two were inseparable from that moment on. They married while attending the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor.

Together, Gilbert and Erika built several successful businesses in Central Texas. However, their greatest treasures were their beautiful children, Maddox and Madelyn. The family often traveled together in their RV, making cherished memories on weekend getaways and traveled the world. They had the privilege of serving in Africa, where they ministered to young children and babies in an orphanage—an experience they all held dear.

From an early age, Gilbert developed a passion for buying, selling, and repairing automobiles. He was a car enthusiast through and through along with many other hobbies. He lived life to its fullest. He and his brother, Thomas, shared the same interests, always spending time together with their shared hobbies. One of Gilbert’s proudest moments was teaching and watching Erika race, with both of them sweaty palms and beaming with pride afterward.

Gilbert was a devoted provider and a loving family man. He was one of his mother’s biggest supporters during her battle with breast cancer two years ago. His father, Gilbert Sr., was his hero, and Gilbert never failed to express his love and admiration for him. Gilbert JR. was the rock of his family, a firm believer in the values of hard work, dedication, and love.

Gilbert had many close friends who supported him in both his personal life and his business. He treated his work team with respect and kindness, always leading by example. Known for his warm heart and boundless generosity, Gilbert never met a stranger and saw the best in everyone he encountered.

He was preceded in death by his beloved aunt Beverly Ulmer, uncle Charlie Mendoza, uncle Frank Mendoza, and his grandfather Chuck Mendoza.

Gilbert is survived by his loving wife, Erika Mendoza; his children, Maddox and Madelyn Mendoza; his parents, Gilbert Sr. and Tina Mendoza; his brother, Thomas Mendoza, and his partner, Whitney Bremer; and his mother-in-law, Ollie Oltmer. He is also survived by his grandparents, Rupert and Irene Sorrow of Temple, and Frances Mendoza of El Paso, Texas, as well as many cherished aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Gilbert recently rejoiced in the salvation of both of his children. As a family, they take comfort in knowing that they will one day be reunited with him in heaven.

His wings were ready, but our hearts were not.