William Frank Mendoza

William (Bill) F. Mendoza Alcala, 99, of Yuma AZ passed away June 29, 2026 at the Arizona State Veterans Home, Yuma, AZ.

He was born June 4, 1927 in Huntington Park, CA. to Leo Mendoza & Margaret Cancio Alcala.

He enlisted in the US Navy, went to the University of Kansas to learn to be an electrical engineer, & 

served honorable during WWII in the Navy on the USS Doran & the USS Midway

(1944-46)

as a Electrician’s Mate.  Enlisted in the Army (1946-47)as a Bridge Specialist.  He received a WWII Victory Medal & his Parachute wings as a Gliderman.  

He is a member of the Pascua Yaqui Tribe of Tucson.   

Before retiring he worked as a hydrographic surveyor.  

His passion was genealogy research and helped many families find their roots. He also worked and volunteered as a researcher for the Historical Society, & volunteered as a photographer for NAACP.  

He was a lifetime member of the DAV.

Bill is survived by his children Bill Jr(Patty) Adam(Lorie)& Leo Mendoza. Daughters Geri (Jimmy)Evaro & Peggy (Tom)Delgado.  Many grandchildren,& great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins,& friends.  

Bill is preceded in death by his sons, Joe, Rigo & Augie Mendoza. His parents Leo & Margaret, his Sister Jennie Leyva,& brother Guadalupe Talamante.  

Pallbearers are Rigo Mendoza Jr, Andrew Mendoza, Jason Mendoza, , Adam Mendoza, Thomas Delgado Jr. 

Funeral & viewing service will be Sunday July 12th from 6-8pm @ Yuma Mortuary 775 S 5th Ave. 

Burial will be Monday July 13th @9am (Desert Lawn Cemetery) w/ celebration of life gathering afterwards.

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