JACKSONVILLE, Texas — A Jacksonville business is raising money for a family after a tragic crash in East Texas.
Miguel Mendez died in a crash last Saturday night on his way home from work. Mendez, known as Mike to his friends and family, was a husband and father of a 6-month-old baby.
"I had a good person – I still do, I still do have a good person," said Mendez's wife Tanya Suarez. "He was very loving, and he always put someone else before him. Always had a smile on his face; he never said no to anybody. And he did everything to provide for his family so he worked two jobs."
Suarez said he worked both jobs and mentioned he was absolutely tired.
Mendez was working late at the Sadler's Kitchen in Jacksonville. Rob Gowin, owner of Sadler's Kitchen and Mendez's boss, said he catered for him part-time, on weekends and nights.
For Gowin, Mendez was more than just a worker, he was a family member.
"He invited me to his graduation party, so I went and had a great time," Gowin said.
Gowin was one of the last few people to see Mendez before the crash.
"The last thing I said to him was thank you for your help," Gowin said. "You never expect that to be the last thing you say to somebody."
Suarez said her life has been a blur since her husband passed away. Gowin and the community of Jacksonville have come together to support, not only Tanya but also baby Liam.
"My goal is for baby Liam and Tanya to get some money set aside for Liam. He’s 6 months old," Goin said. "I plan on being a part of this family’s life for a long time."
Gowin is planning on hosting evening fundraiser dinners as his workers plan on donating their tips to the fundraiser.
"It just makes me feel really great that I have a good support system and I’m never going to be alone like I am," Suarez said.
Gowin is planning on hosting evening fundraiser dinners as his workers plan on donating their tips to the fundraiser.
"I just wish I could just feel his presence and I know he loved being here. I know he’s resting now and he’s finally taking a breather like he wanted," Suarez said.
With all this support Suarez has, she’ll continue to fulfill the lasting dreams she and Mendez had.
"Mike left a lot of plans for us, for me, for the baby. My next goal is to finish school because that’s what he wanted me to do," Suarez said. "There’s not one thing I’ll miss the most. I’ll miss everything. Just seeing him with my baby and loving him unconditionally all the time."
A GoFundMe was set up for the family. To donate, click here. There is also an Austin Bank account set up by Gowin for the family. To donate to that account, you can visit any Austin Bank and ask for the "Tanya Suarez in memory of Miguel Mendez" account.