Jose Meliton Montes, 90, of Fayetteville, Ark., passed away September 8, 2026 in Fayetteville. He was born September 25, 1935 in San Jose, Jalisco, Mexico, to Rafael Montes and Maria (Angvlo) Montes.
He was one of the original owners of LaHuerta Mexican Restaurant in Fayetteville and his family has continued his legacy throughout NWA and the river valley. He was the former Mayor of San Jose, Jalisco, Mexico, where he built the first church there. He was an active member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Fayetteville until his health prohibited it and his goal in life was to help as many people as he could.
He is survived by his wife, Maria Montes; four sons, Meliton, Edgar, Juan (John), and Jose Montes; one daughter, Lupita Montes; 24 grandchildren; 29 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; and numerous godchildren.
A Mass of Chirstian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, September 12th, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, with a Rosary prior to the Mass at 10 a.m. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Fayetteville.
A reception will follow at Mexico Viejo Mexican Restaurant 2131 M.L.K. Jr. Blvd. in Fayetteville, beginning at 1 p.m.
To sign the online guestbook please visit www.bernafuneralhomes.com