Durango Carl Mendoza

Durango Carl Mendoza, 75, of Urbana passed away unexpectedly Monday October 5, 2020.

All who wish to celebrate the life of Durango Carl Mendoza (June 23, 1945 – October 5, 2020) are welcome to join his family Saturday, August 14, 2021, at 10:30 AM at Renner-Wikoff Chapel & Crematory, 1900 S. Philo Rd., Urbana, IL.

Durango was born June 23, 1945 in Claremore, OK, to Robert S and Lucille (Smith) Mendoza. His step-father was James Bunny.  Durango was a citizen of the Muscogee Creek Nation of Oklahoma (Clan: Fuswv (Bird); Tribal town: Eufala Canadian.)

He is survived by his adoring wife of 38 amazing years, Jean Paine Mendoza. He is also survived by beloved children Robert (Kristen Stott) of Oswego, Aimee (Ben) Lafontaine of Glen Ellyn, William (Diana Ingersoll-Cope) of Bellevue, WA , and Thomas (Flora Denton) of Urbana. Brothers and sisters, Margo Smith, Roberto Mendoza, Elizabeth Ingram, and Roselyn Bunny-Frye, all of Tulsa OK, and Marion Frye of Del City, OK. He loved and doted on his six grandchildren Lola, Kaya, Ava, Scarlett, Will, and Jack, and dozens of nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his brother, Gaines Bunny, and his parents and step-father.

Durango was a graduate of the University of Missouri-Columbia and Columbia College in Chicago. Professionally, he was an administrator for the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services. Throughout his life, he was a tireless advocate for causes of social justice, the arts, and the environment. He was a gifted photographer, sculptor, and artist. He lived his life with creativity, kind regard for others and the world, and unconditional love for his family. He has left a lasting impression on so many throughout his life as he shared the gifts of his observations, stories, the generosity of his heart, and warmth.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Muscogee Creek Nation Scholarship Foundation or to the American Heart Association.

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