Obituary of Jorge Trujillo Mendez

Jorge Trujillo Mendez, age 93, son of Antonio Mendez and Bertha Trujillo Mendez, was born August 4, 1930 in Mexico City, Mexico. He passed away Monday, March 11, 2024 at his home in Rolla, MO, surrounded by family. He received his Catholic Last Rites at Barnes Hospital in St. Louis. Jorge is preceded in death by his parents and sister, Bertita, and her husband, Memo Morgan, who lived in Whittier, CA. He is survived by his wife of 67 years and the love of his life, Anna Belle Mendez; their two sons, Drew (Dorothy) of Abiquiu, NM, and Ricky (Heidi) of Jefferson City, MO; three grandchildren, Margo Mendez, Joseph Mendez, (Kirsten), and Mallory Mendez; brother-in-law, Jerry Stienbarger (Felicia) of Salem, MO; and several nieces and nephews. Jorge lost his father at the age of 10 and moved with his mother and sister to Los Angeles when he was 18. He was very proud to attain his Certificate of Naturalization when he was 24 on December 14, 1954. He served four years in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War. He worked with computers and did computer programming for Hughes Aircraft Company while living in Torrance, CA. Jorge and Anna Belle were married in 1956 and opened La Posada Mexican Restaurant in Rolla, MO, in 1972, which they operated until their retirement in 1993. They also enjoyed doing several cooking segments for the television show Pepper and Friends. Jorge previously made his television debut as a contestant on The Price is Right, where he made it to the first round of bidders. During retirement, Jorge taught Spanish for several years in the Rolla School District. He enjoyed inventing various gadgets and coming up with solutions to everyday situations. He enjoyed the many friends and acquaintances he came to know through La Posada and within the Rolla community. He had a charismatic presence and a witty sense of humor. He was a self-made man who lived the American Dream and made what he wanted out of life. He stayed in love with his wife, was proud of his two sons, and adored his three grandchildren. His impact and influence is far-reaching and evident as he passed on his love of travel, tennis, business, education, adventure, humor, great food, and doing your dreams. He will be greatly missed. Per Jorge’s wishes, a private family service will take place. Memorial contributions may be made to the South Central Regional Veterans Group, P.O. Box 1691, Rolla, MO 65402, in loving memory of Jorge.