Filemon Cendejas

Filemon was born on December 10, 1957, in Mitad de Noria, Penjamo, Guanajuato, Mexico, to Juana Barboza and Canderlario Cendejas. He was the second eldest of eight children. As a child, he helped support his family by herding livestock on his father’s land. He immigrated to the United States several times for work before finally settling in Naples, Florida, in 1983 with his beloved wife, Margarita.

Filemon’s life was rooted in unwavering faith, remarkable fortitude, and deep devotion to the family he loved so dearly. He reflected God’s love through his gentle spirit, warm heart, and steadfast compassion. He had a generous nature and would give freely and selflessly without a second thought. He found joy in life’s simple blessings—faithfully attending meetings, sharing his love of music, gathering family around the grill, and working on home projects. In everything he did, he demonstrated patience, dedication, and love, creating not only lasting work but cherished memories.

For five years, Filemon courageously battled lung disease. Guided by the words of Deuteronomy 30:19—“I take the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you today that I have put life and death before you, the blessing and the curse; and you must choose life so that you may live, you and your descendants”—and he chose to move forward with a lung transplant. Although the surgery was initially successful, he received unexpected news of lung cancer in November 2025. Through every trial, every uncertainty, and every moment of pain, Filemon remained steadfast in his faith, trusting Jehovah even when the road was difficult. His strength was evident not only in his endurance but also in the peace, humility, and grace with which he faced each day.

A beloved husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and brother, Filemon passed away surrounded by his family on January 9, 2026, in Tifton, Georgia, leaving a legacy of love that will continue to shine through all who knew him.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Margarita Cendejas, who faithfully stood by his side; his beloved daughters, Cindy Hale, Mariela Cendejas, Yesenia Rodriguez, Griselda Araujo, and Linda Cruz; and his treasured grandchildren, Adey and Alexis Lopez, Bethany Lopez-Morales, Noah Araujo, Clark and Bella Rodriguez, and Iziah Araujo. They were his pride, his joy, and his greatest blessing, and his love will continue to guide them every day.

Though our hearts are heavy with loss, we take comfort in knowing that Filemon now rests in peace, preserved in Jehovah’s memory, never to be forgotten, and remembered for the faithful service he gave Him. His legacy of faith, love, generosity, craftsmanship, and quiet strength will live on forever in the hearts of all who will miss him deeply. The words of Isaiah 41:10 rang true throughout his life: “Do not be afraid, for I am with you. Do not be anxious, for I am your God. I will fortify you, yes, I will help you, I will really hold on to you with my right hand of righteousness.”

Visitation with Filemon’s family will be Friday, January 16, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. at McCullough Funeral Home with the memorial service celebrating his life being held at 5:00 p.m. in the chapel. 

Go to www.mcculloughfh.com to sign the Online Registry for the family. McCullough Funeral Home and Crematory has the privilege of being entrusted with these arrangements.

Filemon nació el 10 de diciembre de 1957 en Mitad de Noria, Pénjamo, Guanajuato, México, hijo de Juana Barboza y Canderlario Cendejas. Era el segundo de ocho hijos. De niño, ayudaba a mantener a su familia cuidando el ganado de su padre. Emigró varias veces a los Estados Unidos para trabajar antes de establecerse finalmente en Naples, Florida, en 1983 con su amada esposa, Margarita.

La vida de Filemon estuvo arraigada en una fe inquebrantable, una fortaleza admirable y una profunda devoción a la familia que tanto amaba. Reflejaba el amor de Dios a través de su espíritu amable, su corazón cálido y su compasión constante. Tenía una naturaleza generosa y daba libre y desinteresadamente, sin pensarlo dos veces. Encontraba alegría en las bendiciones simples de la vida: asistir fielmente a las reuniones de la congregación, compartir su amor por la música, reunir a la familia alrededor de la parrilla y trabajar en proyectos del hogar. En todo lo que hacía, demostraba paciencia, dedicación y amor, creando no solo obras duraderas sino también recuerdos entrañables.

Durante cinco años, Filemon enfrentó con valentía una enfermedad pulmonar. Guiado por las palabras de Deuteronomio 30:19 —“He puesto delante de ti la vida y la muerte, la bendición y la maldición; escoge, pues, la vida para que vivas, tú y tu descendencia”— decidió seguir adelante con un trasplante de pulmón. Aunque la cirugía tuvo éxito inicialmente, recibió la inesperada noticia de cáncer de pulmón en noviembre de 2025. A través de cada prueba, cada incertidumbre y cada momento de dolor, Filemon permaneció firme en su fe, confiando en Jehová incluso cuando el camino era difícil. Su fortaleza se reflejaba no solo en su resistencia, sino también en la paz, la humildad y la gracia con que enfrentaba cada día.

Esposo amado, padre, abuelo, tío y hermano, Filemon falleció rodeado de su familia el 9 de enero de 2026 en Tifton, Georgia, dejando un legado de amor que seguirá brillando en todos los que lo conocieron.

Le sobreviven su devota esposa, Margarita Cendejas, quien permaneció fiel a su lado; sus amadas hijas, Cindy Hale, Mariela Cendejas, Yesenia Rodríguez, Griselda Araujo y Linda Cruz; y sus valiosos nietos, Adey y Alexis López, Bethany López-Morales, Noah Araujo, Clark y Bella Rodríguez, e Iziah Araujo. Ellos fueron su orgullo, su alegría y su mayor bendición, y su amor continuará guiándolos cada día.

Aunque nuestros corazones están llenos de tristeza, nos reconforta saber que Filemon ahora descansa en paz, preservado en la memoria de Jehová, nunca será olvidado y es recordado por el fiel servicio que le dio. Su legado de fe, amor, generosidad, habilidad y fortaleza silenciosa vivirá para siempre en los corazones de todos los que lo extrañarán profundamente. Las palabras de Isaías 41:10 fueron verdaderas a lo largo de toda su vida: “No temas, porque yo estoy contigo; no desmayes, porque yo soy tu Dios. Te fortaleceré, ciertamente te ayudaré; sí, te sostendré con la diestra de mi justicia.”