KENDALLVILLE – Antonio G. “Mighty Fine” Jimenez, 88, Kendallville, died Dec. 7, 2013, at his residence. He was born Aug. 10, 1925, in Brownsville, Texas, to Manuel G. and Victoria M. Gonzalez Jimenez. In 1945 in Brownsville he married Margarita Marquez, who preceded him in death Aug. 16, 2002. He honorably served his country in the United States Army during World War II, and was a recipient of two Purple Heart medals for injuries sustained in battle on two separate occasions. He was a proud member of the American Legion Post 86 and lifetime member of the VFW Post 2749, both in Kendallville. He retired from Newnam Foundry in 1990 after 15 years of service, and he also worked at McCray Refrigeration in Kendallville. He enjoyed reading the newspaper, working word search puzzles and visiting with his friends at the American Legion when he was able. Each morning, he spent time reading and studying his Bible and praying while enjoying a hot cup of morning coffee. Surviving are seven daughters: Dolores Hatfield, Warsaw; Olga (and spouse Jose) Hernandez, Mary Jimenez, DD (and spouse Bill) Narkter and Patty (and spouse Doug) Terry, all of Kendallville; Minerva (and spouse Bobby) Baldridge, Claypool; and Brenda Jimenez, Garrett; two sons, Anthony Jimenez and Linda Campbell, West Otter Lake near Angola; and Armando Jimenez, Kendallville; 28 grandchildren; five stepgrandchildren; and many great-grandchildren. He also was preceded in death by his son, Larry “Mayo” Jimenez, who died Feb. 13, 2013; and granddaughters, Jennifer Hernandez, who died in 1990, Kathy Lynn Sparkman and Dusty Gose. Services will be at 1 p.m. Wednesday at Hite Funeral Home, Kendallville, with the Rev. Charles Mosley officiating. Burial with military honors will be in Lake View Cemetery, Kendallville. Military honors will be conducted by the honor guard members of the Kendallville VFW Post 2749, Rome City American Legion Post 381 and active duty troops from the U.S. Army. Casket bearers will be his grandsons: Bobby and Ronnie Baldridge; Anthony, Storm and Austin Jimenez; Joe Terry and Joshua McClelland. Calling is from 3 to 7 p.m. today at the funeral home. ***** Memorials to American Legion Post 86 of Kendallville. Condolences may be sent via www.hitefuneralhome.com
