Carlos Jeovanny Mejia

Carlos Jeovanny Mejia, 49 yrs old, of Ontario, passed away on May 2, 2024, in Riverside. 

He was born to Carlos Orlando and Teresa Betzabe on March 7, 1975, in El Salvador. 

Carlos attended Montclair High School and walked with the graduating class of 1993. Education was important to him and although Carlos took courses at Westwood College, his greatest education came from his father, Juan Antonio Cruz, his brothers Joel and Christian and many mentors. It was years of watching his father, Juan, support the family by the sweat of his brow as a plumber, that inspired Carlos to do the same. He perfected his skills and turned it into a career, spanning over 29 years as a general contractor in the construction industry. 

 "Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from Him. Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are children born in one’s youth. Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them.” If you asked him, Carlos would tell you his biggest accomplishments in life were his sons; John, David, Alejandro, Jesus, and Andrew Mejia. He was proud of his sons and hopeful that each would have a relationship with God and build a life with a wife, children and happiness.

The American writer, Elbert Hubbard said, “A friend is someone who knows all about you and still loves you.”   The Bible says a true friend shows love, no matter what, a true friend forgives and does not hold grudges, a true friend is loyal, and a true friend helps in time of need.  Carlos found that life-long friend in his Juanita. 

 The pair met over 27 years ago in 1997.  They raised children together and walked out life’s milestones together, including the birth of grandbabies, family celebrations, graduations and most recently the wedding of their son David.   

To speak his language, you had to know your movie lines because Carlos spoke in quotes. It became contagious and before you knew it, conversation was its own entertainment.  It’s safe to say Carlos was a movie buff.  He knew the old stuff; Terminator, the Rocky movies, Rambo and Top Gun, just to name a few.  Carlos was adaptable and could cry to sappy Chick Flicks any day.  

Salty air and picnic baskets with his family at the beach were some of Carlos’ favorite memories.  He also loved riding bikes with his boys and Juanita.  A perfect evening of good food with family and friends was an ideal way to celebrate everyday life.

Throughout his life, Carlos found guidance and good fatherly advice from his uncle Ricardo and uncle Edwin.  Each had a way of lovingly yet assertively pointing to the path he needed to go.  For all of this, Carlos loved them so much. It was pep talks like this that Carlos had with his own sons, providing guidance and sharing the “dos and don’ts” of life.

'Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love.'   -Mother Teresa  

Carlos was generous with his time and ability.  He quickly rearranged his day countless times to help his in-laws with an emergency plumbing issue or ceiling leak.  Once he completed the emergency AC repair, he followed up with a gently toned lecture on how often to change your air filters.  If you consulted him about a home improvement project, he had no problem showing up to teach you how to lay tile or change outlets. 

Carlos knew how to be a cheerleader for other people.  If you succeeded in anything, you were guaranteed to be made a big deal of by him.  He knew how to be uplifting and genuinely happy for others because he saw their win as his own.  His encouraging words were sure to build confidence in the person who needed it.  Many of us experienced his love and charismatic smile, that spanned from ear to ear.  If you befriended Carlos, you were a friend for life.  If you loved Carlos, he loved you back and never stopped.  

“…I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. 26 And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die…” Carlos received Jesus Christ as his personal Lord and Savior on October 22, 2023.  

A movie is only as good as its soundtrack.  Carlos enjoyed a wide variety of music.  The soundtrack of his life changed over time with some of his favorites being Foreigner, Journey, Juan Gabriel, salsa and tropical music.  The soundtrack shifted during times of reflection, celebration, dancing or whatever season presented itself.   His last soundtrack was that of praise music on Thursday, May 2nd.  Carlos was at home, with his praise music on and was dancing hours before he passed away.    

There won’t be a day that passes that Carlos won’t be missed by everyone who knew and loved him.  Until that great union in Heaven, we love you Carlos.

Carlos is lovingly survived by his sons John, David, Alejandro, Jesus, and Andrew Mejia; grandchildren Kamila, and Ezekiel; his mother Teresa Betzabe; siblings Joel, Judy, and Christian; several nieces and nephews, extended family, friends and loved ones; and his beloved Juanita.  He is preceded in death by his father Carlos Orlando Mejia and his father Juan Cruz.

Viewing hours will be 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., Wednesday, May 15, 2024 at Ingold Funeral & Cremation in Fontana, with the funeral service from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.  Interment will be at 2 p.m. at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Covina Hills.