Osvaldo "Pancho" Mendez, 91, of Abilene and formerly of Hale Center, passed away Wednesday, October 1, 2025, in Abilene. Mass will be celebrated at 2:00 p.m., Monday, October 6, 2025, at St. Theresa's Catholic Church in Hale Center. Interment will follow at Hale Center Cemetery under the care of Ramage Funeral Directors. Visitation will be held from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m., Sunday, October 5, 2025, at Ramage Funeral Directors in Hale Center.

Osvaldo was born January 5, 1934, in Falfurrias, Texas, to Prudencio and Eloisa (Sanchez) Mendez. A hard worker and a jack of all trades, he spent many years farming and driving trucks in Washington State. He loved piddling with projects big and small, being at the lake, and spending time with his family. Above all, his family—especially his grandchildren—were the most important part of his life.

He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Reynaldo "Roy" Mendez, Erasmo Mendez, and Martin Mendez; and a sister, Mariana Mendez Navarro..

Survivors include his four sons, Daniel Mendez of Abilene, Bobby Mendez of Abilene, Henry Mendez of Tennessee, and Cosme Mendez of Colorado; two daughters, Diana Mendez of Hale Center and Esmeralda Garza of San Antonio; three brothers, Prudencio Mendez, Jr. of Levelland, Mario Mendez of Hale Center, and Johnny Mendez of Hale Center; and a sister, Lidia Mendez Valdivia of Hale Center. He was blessed with eight grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.