Photo courtesy of Montgomery County Commissioner Pct 2 OfficeNews
SH 249 in Montgomery County designated as the Lt. Col. Paul P. Mendes Memorial Parkway
State Highway 249, which passes through Montgomery County, has been officially designated by the Texas State Legislature as the Lt. Col. Paul P. Mendes Memorial Parkway. This 15.5-mile stretch of road extends from the southern edge of Montgomery County on the west side to the northern county line along SH 249.
Lt. Col. Paul P. Mendes is being honored posthumously for his lifelong contributions to both the nation and Montgomery County, particularly the City of Magnolia, where he served as City Administrator at the time of his passing. A dedicated leader, Mendes left a legacy as a devoted public servant, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to the betterment of Magnolia through his actions and decisions.
Mendes retired as a Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Army, where he was a member of the Green Berets. He completed three tours in Vietnam and was among the last soldiers to evacuate via helicopter after the fall of Saigon. He returned to Vietnam to assist in the recovery of missing soldiers and received numerous commendations for his military service, including four Bronze Stars with citations for valor.
The designation of the highway was made possible through the collaborative efforts of Montgomery County Toll Road Authority Chairman Charlie Riley, Texas Senator Lois Kolkhorst, Texas Senator Paul Bettencourt, and Texas Representative Cecil Bell. During the 89th Legislature Regular Session, both the Texas House of Representatives and the Texas Senate demonstrated broad support for the bill, which passed unanimously and was signed into law by Governor Abbott, making the memorial designation effective on September 1, 2025.
During the parkway dedication ceremony, held at Ivey Manor adjacent to SH 249, the National Anthem was performed at the conclusion of the event combined with a military flyover arranged by the Gulf Coast Wing unit of the Commemorative Air Force, featuring “Spooky” the AC-47 gunship used in Vietnam to protect the soldiers. The aircraft passed by the ceremony following SH 249 at the high point of the anthem and returned for a second pass heading east to return to the airport tilting its wings in what appeared to be an honorary salute for Paul.
“Paul Mendes was a devoted family man, a decorated officer, and a leader dedicated to his community. The parkway tribute is a fitting compliment to a truly worthy individual.,” stated Commissioner Charlie Riley.
Source: Office of Montgomery County Commissioner Pct. 2; Montgomery County Toll Road Authority
