Chris Mendoza, 53, of Munday passed away peacefully on June 23, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family. Born on December 24, 1972, in Albany, Texas.

   Chris lived a life defined by service, faith, family, and dedication to his community. He proudly served his country in the United States Army for four years before beginning a distinguished career in law enforcement that spanned more than two decades. Throughout his career, Chris served in numerous roles, including Chief of Police in Knox City for over a year and Chief of Police in Munday for more than eleven years. He later fulfilled another calling of public service when he was elected and served as Sheriff of Knox County for over two years. Chris approached every position with integrity, compassion, and a genuine commitment to the people he served.While his professional accomplishments were many,

  Chris’s greatest pride and joy were his family. He was a devoted husband, father, and “Pops” whose love knew no bounds. He cherished every moment spent with his children and Papas (grandchildren) and found great happiness supporting youth sports and encouraging young people in his community. He was well known by all the children of the community as “Chris the Cop.”

   Chris was a faithful member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church and loved the Lord deeply. His faith guided his life and shaped the kindness, compassion, and generosity he extended to others. He will be remembered as an honest man with a servant’s heart, a loving husband and father, a proud grandfather, and a jokester who could always bring laughter to those around him. Friends, coworkers, and family alike knew him as someone who was fun to be around, dependable, and always willing to help anyone in need. He enjoyed spending time with family, following sports, supporting children in their activities, golfing, serving his community, and sharing fellowship with friends and coworkers he considered family.

   Chris is survived by his loving wife, Crystal Zeissel; his daughters, Madelyn Mendoza, Reagan Sanderson, and McKenna Sanderson; his beloved grandchildren, Tripp and Eli; his sisters, Krystal Balvantin and Lynda Hinson; along with numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, coworkers, and community members whose lives were touched by his kindness and service.He was preceded in death by his mother, Cirilda (Lily) Balvantin, and his father, Alex Perez.

   A visitation will be held at 6:00 P.M., Thursday, June 25th at St. Joseph's Catholic Church. Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, June 26, 2026, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Rhineland, Texas. Interment will follow at Johnson Cemetery in Munday, Texas, under the direction of McCauley-Smith Funeral Home.

  In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to Lake Creek Golf Course in honor of Chris.

   Though his badge has been laid to rest, Chris’s legacy of faith, service, laughter, and love will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew him.