88R33037 TBO-D
By: Bell of Montgomery H.R. No. 2370
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, A life made rich through meaningful service drew to
a close with the passing of retired U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel
Paul Peter Mendes of The Woodlands on August 21, 2019, at the age of
75; and
WHEREAS, The son of Vincent Joseph Mendes and Kathleen
Kavookjian Mendes, Paul Mendes was born in New York City on May 9,
1944, and he grew up in Highlands, New Jersey, with the
companionship of his brothers, Haik, Thomas, and Vincent; he earned
a bachelor's degree in photoengraving with a minor in photography
from Sam Houston State University, where he joined the Reserve
Officers' Training Corps, and he later completed a master's degree
in public service administration; and
WHEREAS, Answering his nation's call to duty, Colonel Mendes
began his career in the U.S. Army as a commissioned officer, and he
served three tours in Vietnam with the 5th Special Forces Group
(Airborne) Green Berets; after the fall of Saigon, he volunteered
to join the Joint Casualty Resolution Center, and he later worked in
military intelligence and served in assignments around the globe;
he ultimately attained the rank of lieutenant colonel, and he
served as headquarters commandant at Fort Lewis before his
retirement in 1993; and
WHEREAS, Colonel Mendes received numerous military honors,
including four Bronze Stars with citations for valor, a Meritorious
Service Medal, an Air Medal, three Overseas Service Medals, four
Army Commendation Medals, the Humanitarian Service Medal, and two
National Defense Service Medals; and
WHEREAS, Returning to civilian life, Colonel Mendes worked in
city management, and he distinguished himself in his role as city
administrator of Magnolia; in all his endeavors, he enjoyed the
love and support of his wife, Charlotte, and he took great pride in
their two children, Laura and Paul; over the years, his treasured
family grew to include two granddaughters, Kaeley and Hannah; and
WHEREAS, Colonel Mendes's legacy of service is being
recognized through efforts to rename a portion of State Highway 249
in Montgomery County as the Paul P. Mendes Memorial Parkway; and
WHEREAS, Deeply dedicated to his family, his country, and his
community, Paul Mendes will forever be a source of inspiration to
those he leaves behind; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 88th Texas
Legislature hereby pay tribute to the life of Lieutenant Colonel
(Ret.) Paul Peter Mendes and extend sincere condolences to all who
mourn his passing; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for his family and that when the Texas House of
Representatives adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Paul
Mendes.