Juan Jose "Johnny" Rendon, Sr.

Juan Jose Rendon passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on October 1, 2025. Juan Jose or “Johnny” as he was lovingly known, was born to Thomas and Manuela Rendon on January 31, 1945. Johnny came from humble beginnings and grew up to be a pillar of strength and kindness to all who knew him. A proud product of the local education system, he graduated from the Raymond and Tirza Martin High School. It was during his senior year that he met the love of his life, Maria de la Luz, who have been together for 61 years of blessed matrimony. This union was further blessed with three beautiful children: Diana Estella, Juan Jose Jr., and Sara Alicia.

Johnny, a Firefighter for 29 years in the City of Laredo, was the lead developer and expert in aviation accidents and the HAZMAT response unit during his service. Always the goal achiever, Johnny rose through the ranks within the department from Firefighter to District Chief.

Upon his retirement, Johnny continued his services to the City of Laredo and its citizens where he ran for and was elected Councilman District V. He served two-four year terms. He played a key factor and introduced many projects during his time as a councilmember. He initiated the development of the Bartlett Soccer Fields, and the extension of Bartlett Avenue. Other projects he played a major part in, included the naming of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Highway, Zacate Creek Retention Park, improvements to Hillside Park, and the Johnny Rendon Park. One of his prized accomplishments was being part of the team that had Unitrade Stadium built. As councilman, his commitment and passion to his local community was unwavering and unmeasured.

Beyond his many interest, Johnny was celebrated for his love of karate. He learned karate from an Air Force pilot, Daniel K. Smith, during the era when the Laredo Air Force Base thrived locally. Under his direction , Johnny trained in Goshin Jutsu Karate Do, where he earned his black belt. When the pilot left, he asked Johnny, noticing his passion for the art, if he’d like to take over his dojo. Johnny was surprised, honored, and excited to inherit it. Johnny built a legacy with many students throughout his years, not only teaching karate to many students, but mentoring many of them in life skills and lessons.

Johnny was the heart of his family, loving his wife and family very much. He was preceded in death by his father and mother: Thomas and Manuela Rendon, his brother, Thomas Seldon Rendon.

Left behind to cherish his memories are his loving wife, Maria de la Luz; daughters: Diana Rendon Gutierrez (Filiberto) and Sara Reyes (Felipe), and his son, Juan Jose Rendon Jr. (Elvira). He is also survived by his grandchildren: Juan Jose III (Amber), Marco Rendon (fiancé, Kimberly Martinez), Kiana Rendon, Lorena Garza (Joe), Johnny Almaraz, Jr. (Gloria), and Mia Reyes as well as his great-grandchildren, which include: Juan Jose IV and Daniel Alexander Rendon, Jacob and Jason Garza. He is further survived by his brothers: Richard D. Rendon (Thelma) and James R. Rendon (Linda), as well as a great number of nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends made along his journey.

The Rendon family would like to take a moment to recognize and humbly thank the office of Dr. Andres Garcia Zuniga, especially, Jesse Coe, FNP, for their dedication and determination during his illness. Furthermore, we would like to also thank Edna and Alejandra, his caregivers and ALFA Hospice Services, that helped us throughout this journey. May God continue to bless your dedication and work.

The life of Juan Jose “Johnny” Rendon will be remembered and celebrated on Monday, October 6, 2025 at Hillside Funerals & Cremations; 310 W. Hillside Rd.; Laredo, TX 78041, from 5 to 9 pm. An evening Prayer Service will be led by his cousin and close friend, Rev. Mike Smith at 7 in the evening.

Services will continue on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, with final visitation from 7 am until 10 am at the funeral home. A Liturgy of the Word will be celebrated in the funeral chapel beginning at 10 am, led by former Fire Chief and current Assistant City Manager, Rev. Deacon Mr. Steven Landin.

Johnny’s final drive will be via escorted procession at 11 am to the Laredo Fire Department Administration Building on Del Mar Blvd, then proceeding to the Laredo City Cemetery-Hero's Hall, where the Rite of Committal, Interment, and Fire Department Honors and Last Call will take place.

Active Pallbearers will be the City of Laredo Fire Department-Honor Guard.

Honorary Pallbearers will be: Filiberto Gutierrez, Juan Jose Rendon Jr., Juan Jose Rendon III, Marco Rendon, Felipe Reyes, Johnny Almaraz Jr., and Joe Garza.

You are invited to share a story, offer condolences or a memory of Johnny via his online tribute located at www.hillsidefuneral.com

Acting and proudly serving the Rendon family are the Funeral Director and Staff at Hillside Funerals and Cremations; 310 W. Hillside Rd.; Laredo, TX 78041; 956.724.6060