Frank C. "Brownie" Mendez, 78, Topeka, died Monday, Oct. 13, 2003, at his home.
Mr. Mendez was born June 26, 1925, in Hiawatha, the son of Luis and Patrocinia Mendez.
He was a foreman in purchasing and materials for SF&T Railroad for 43 years before he retired in 1989. He attended Assumption Catholic Church and was a veteran of the U.S. Navy in World War II.
He married Marie L. Gerhardt on Jan. 9, 1960, in Lawrence. She survives.
Other survivors include two daughters, Linda Perry, Buna, Texas, and Gloria Ferguson, Dallas; a brother, Luis Mendez, Indianapolis, Ind.; two sisters, Theresa Mendez and Trinidad Fernandez, both of Indianapolis, Ind.; 13 half-brothers and sisters including Joe Mendez, Topeka; and two grandchildren.
Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m. Thursday at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Burial will follow in Mount Calvary Cemetery. Mr. Mendez will lie in state after 2 p.m. today at Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, with a parish rosary at 6:30 p.m. and a scriptural rosary at 7 p.m. The family suggests contributions to the charity of donors choice.
