Candelario Mendez Molina

Candelario Mendez Molina (nickname Candy) was born in Tucson, Arizona on December 4, 1945 to parents, Louis and Lillian (Mendez) Molina. After 72 years of living life as a son, a brother, a cousin, an uncle, a husband, a father, a grandfather (Papa), and a friend, he passed away on September 19, 2018.

Candy was a resident of Walnut, California for 40 years and is survived by:
-His wife of 41 years, Barbara (Adams) Molina
-His children David Molina and Melissa (Molina) Tobiassen whom is married to Daniel Tobiassen
-His grandchildren Katelyn Tobiassen (Papa's Tornado) and Ashley Tobiassen
-His siblings Louis Molina whom is married to Helen (Chavez) Molina, Julie (Lizcano) Carreon whom is married to Luis Carreon, Linda (Lizcano) Donaghe, Stephen Lizcano, Willie Lizcano, and Peggy (Lizcano) Valenzuela whom is married to Ray Valenzuela

While his time may have ended here on Earth, the family takes solace knowing that he now begins his eternal life in Heaven with loved ones that have passed before him:
-His parents Louis and Lillian Molina
-His step-father Tony Lizcano
-His siblings and his sibling's spouses Socorro (Molina) Ortiz, Nellie (Molina) Kolbrener, Perry Molina, and Jim Donaghe
-His nephew and God son J.J. Ortiz
-His cousin and cousin's spouse Sylvia (Russo) Schuck and Tom Schuck

He was raised in East Los Angeles and joined the Navy at the age of 17. During his time in the Navy, he was stationed in Pensacola, Florida and spent time overseas in the Philippines along with stops at other ports in the Far East while serving on the U.S.S. Vega during the Vietnam War.

Candy and Barbara met and dated while Barbara was still in high school. After a long courtship and numerous marriage proposals, Barbara finally said "yes" on Valentine's Day in 1976. They were finally married on May 7, 1977 in Whittier, California and purchased a home in Walnut, California in 1978.

He was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) in 2000 and battled this disease for 18 years with the loving support of his wife and family. As if battling MS was not enough, he was later diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis but through it all Candy kept a positive spirit and lived life with a smile. There were difficult times, but he was always able to lean on the love from his family and friends.

During his battle with MS, family and friends were able to show their support in numerous ways but one was always moving for Candy. The participation by family and friends in the Muck Fest hosted by the MS Society always moved him to tears. It is for that reason that the family graciously asks for donations to the MS Society in his memory rather than sending flowers. While flowers are beautiful and delicate, finding a cure for MS could last a lifetime and help others fight this disease.

Donations can be made at www.nationalmssociety.org by clicking on the "Donate" link at the top right of the webpage and then clicking on the "Give in Honor or Memory" tab.