Michael Luis Mendias' Obituary
MICHAEL LUIS MENDIAS
Michael Luis Mendias left this world to be with his Savior on January 7, 2022, at the age of 68. Michael is survived by his sister, Kathy Mendias and husband Jeff Page; nephews, Jared Taylor and Spencer Page; nieces, Jessica Page Belmarez and husband Jay and Rachel Page Barrus and husband Scott; many cousins and several godchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents Luis and June Mendias and his nephew, Philip Page.
Mike was born in San Antonio, Texas on September 13, 1953, and graduated from Antonian High School. He attended the University of Texas, where he made several lifelong friends, and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering. He would go on to earn a Master of Science in Environmental Sciences and a Master of Arts in Political Economy, both from the University of Texas at Dallas.
Mike began his career working for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region VI in Dallas. He served as the Regional Noise Coordinator for several years, then served as the Emissions Trading Coordinator responsible for the Air Pollution Cap and Trade Program. He left the EPA to become the Assistant Director of the Health and Human Services Department for the City of Dallas. His duties included serving as liaison between the city and the State of Texas for the clean-up of the RSR Lead Smelter in West Dallas in 1984 and 1985. Mike returned to his first love, mechanical vibration and noise control, when he accepted a position with LTV Aerospace and Defense Company (now Triumph Group) in 1989. He worked briefly as an Acoustician and then, due to his years of experience in the environmental arena, was asked to transfer to the Environmental Department where he held various leadership positions until his retirement in 2016. His work took him to corporate facilities around the country where he made more lifelong friends. He kept in touch with many of his former employees, who called him the best boss they had ever had and “The Good Humor Man”. This was due to his insistence that you must be able to laugh at yourself in order to keep things in perspective.
Mike also made lifelong friends while a member of the Dallas Junior Chamber of Commerce (Jaycees). He served as President in 1992-1993 and was made a Senator of the Junior Chamber International in 1996 based on his achievements while a member of the Dallas and Texas Jaycees. He attended numerous Texas Jaycees conventions as well as JCI World Congresses in Hawaii and Las Vegas. A fond memory of his was when he and fellow Senator Rick Callahan visited Jaycee friends in Australia and helped out on their friend’s sheep farm in the Australian Outback.
Mike also held various leadership positions in the Institute of Environmental Sciences & Technology including President of the Dallas chapter. He presented several papers over the years at Annual Technical Meetings of the IEST.
Mike was a “gearhead” and loved anything to do with automobiles. He restored a convertible 1968 Chrysler 300 that he drove in the downtown Dallas St. Patrick’s Day parade for years, with friends and family vying for who got to ride with him. He was an Inaugural Season Ticket Holder for Texas Motor Speedway and attended races for many years. He never missed a race on TV and picking drivers for his NASCAR fantasy league was a great passion. He also loved Texas Longhorn football and going to the fair and the Texas-OU game were cherished memories.
Mike loved to surprise friends and co-workers with little gifts such as rubber snakes or frogs or gold stars for a job well done! He always wore a Santa hat at Christmas and handed out antlers and Santa hats for the rest of the family to wear. He was a thoughtful and kind man who never forgot a friend’s birthday or anniversary and always sent a Thank You note.
Mike will be remembered for his big laugh, big smile and love of life! He was always ready to help with advice on cars, finances or navigating life’s challenges or by offering a meal or a bed for a night or longer. He was the most wonderful brother, uncle, godfather and friend and he will be dearly missed.
Mike was a longtime member of Mary Immaculate Catholic Church at 2800 Valwood Parkway in Farmers Branch, Texas. His funeral service will be held there on February 8, 2022, with a rosary at 12:30 pm with funeral mass to follow at 1 pm, officiated by Father Franck Agbowai. If you are unable to attend in person, the service will be livestreamed on the church’s YouTube channel. Search for Mary Immaculate Church, Farmers Branch.
Inurnment will follow at Restland Memorial Park, Whispering Waters Mausoleum.
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