EDWARD MOYA MENDEZ, 83, of Ranger, TX,
passed away peacefully on Oct. 21, 2026 at Discovery
Village in Southlake, TX, with burial in DFW National
Cemetery with full military honors.
He was born on April 24, 1943 to the late Aurora &
Marcus Barbosa. Edward attended Ranger High School
in the Class of 1961 at Ranger, TX. He married the
love of his life, Sally Jo Cafagno, in Jan. of 1963
at Wayfarers Chapel in Rancho Palos Verdes, CA.
Together, they built a life and family that remained
central to his heart.
Edward proudly served in the U.S. Army, where he
attained the rank of Drill Sergeant. He was
stationed at Fort Ord, CA, before leaving military
service in 1972.
Following his military career, Edward joined American
Airlines, where he dedicated more than 30 successful
years to opening & establishing operations throughout
Central and South America. He ultimately retired from
his distinguished career as Manager of Care.
Edward will be remembered for his dedication, his years
of service to his country, and his commitment to his
family. His legacy will live on through the many lives
he touched and the loved ones who will forever cherish
his memory.
He is survived by his daughter, Jennifer Sanders, and
her husband, Jason Sanders; his three grandchildren,
Bryce Sanders and his wife, Ashley Doyle, Jacob Mendez,
and Riley Sanders; his sister, Sally Mendez Ward (RHS-
1961), and her family; and his brother, Mark Barbosa
(RJC) and his family.
Edward was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Sally
Mendez, and his son, Christopher Mendez.
WIFE: SALLY JO CAFAGNO MENDEZ, 79 of Arlington,
TX passed away on Aug. 20, 2022. She was born in Marion,
OH on Aug. 4, 1943. Sally graduated from Marion HS and
received her Bachelor?s in Nursing from TCC.
She was married to Edward Mendez in Jan. of 1963 in
California, who survives her. Sally had a career as a
Labor and Delivery Nurse at Arlington Memorial Hospital.
Sally had a passion for reading, watching movies, and
spending time with family.
She was survived by her daughter Jennifer Sanders and
grandchildren Bryce Sanders, Jacob Mendez and Riley
Sanders.
Preceded in death by her son Christopher Mendez and
her brother Jeff Messenger.
SON: EDWARD CHRISTOPHER MENDEZ, 44, of
Arlington, TX died on May 7, 2013.
Chris was born July 1, 1968, at Fort Ord, CA, to
Edward & Sally Cafagno Mendez of Arlington. He
graduated from Martin High School in 1986 and from
Texas Christian University in 1995, and went on to
become a registered nurse working at local hospitals
and providing home health care in Arlington for over
10 years.
Survivors: Son, Jacob Mendez; parents, Edward and
Sally J. Mendez; sister, Jennifer Sanders (Jason);
grandmother, Aurora Barbosa; aunts and uncles, Jeff
Messenger, Sally and Russell Ward, and Mark & Mary
Jo Barbosa; and several nieces and nephews.
Christopher was well loved and will be sorely missed
by all his family and friends whose lives he touched.