Israel G. Mendietta Sr.

March 6, 1936 - January 30, 2022

Israel G. Mendietta Sr., 85, passed away on January 30, 2022, in Kingsville, TX. He was born on March 6, 1936, in the King Ranch to Roberto and Paula Mendietta. Mr. Israel G. Mendietta Sr. was a retired “Kineño” for the King Ranch and was one of the last King Ranch Vaqueros. He was a living legend just like his father, Roberto Mendietta Sr. and was a dedicated, hardworking man and took pride in his job. He started working for the King Ranch at a very young age. After 35 years of working for the King Ranch, he joined his wife, Sarita, and started working for John Armstrong. He then went to work at La Barretta Ranch for Stuart Sasser. He retired from San Pedro Ranch and up until his passing, he worked for Radford Farms. For three generations, he worked for the Radford family. He was mostly known for his talent and artwork of making bullwhips, quartas, and botones. A lot of men would bring their ropes so he could break them in. He also had so much knowledge of horses and cattle. He knew his work very well. He was preceded in death by his wife, Sarita Z. Mendietta; one son, Israel Mendietta Jr; one daughter, Sylvia Saldana; one son-in-law, Ramiro Saldana; one brother, Ray Mendietta; five sisters, Maria Moreno, Nicolasa Salinas, Idolina Cortez, Angelina Guerra, and Elva Montalvo. Survivors include two daughters, Norma (Carlos) Escobedo of Kerrville, and Idolina (Eloy) Castillo of Kingsville; one son, Joe (Janel) Hernandez Jr. of Corpus Christi; three sisters, Ernestina Munoz, Eloisa Moreno, and Minerva Maldonado; and numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, cousins, nieces, and nephews. Visitation will be held on Friday, 02-04-2022 from 9:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. at Ramirez-Salinas Funeral Home. A Rosary will be held on Friday, 02-04-2022 at 6:30 p.m. at Ramirez-Salinas Funeral Home. A Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, 02-05-2022 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Martin Catholic Church with Father Alfredo Villarreal officiating. Burial will follow at Santa Gertrudis Memorial Cemetery. Arrangements under the direction of Ramirez-Salinas Funeral Home.