Ernesto Mendoza Maldia (Poppa Doc) was born March 7, 1937 to Conrado Maldia and Maura Mendoza Maldia, in Batangas, Philippines and passed from this life on July 26, 2019 in Holdenville, Oklahoma at the age of 82.

Ernesto was raised in the Philippines where he graduated high school in Batangas and attended the School of Medicine in Manila.  Upon graduation as an MD, he traveled to the United States to complete his education as a surgeon.  Afterwards, he practiced medicine in several hospitals, including Wetumka General Hospital, but eventually settled in Slaton, Texas where he opened his own clinic.  He continued practicing medicine and surgery in the Slaton and Lubbock, Texas area. He is remembered as an exceptional family doctor and surgeon who practiced medicine over 48 years.

Ernesto became an American Citizen in 1972, and never returned to his homeland of the Philippines.  During his life he enjoyed traveling to Las Vegas, shooting his guns, driving his Porsche, and fine dining.  In his retirement, he enjoyed reading about world news and events and he was an avid viewer of CNN and MSNBC.

Ernesto was preceded in death by his parents and 3 brothers.

Ernesto is survived by his wife, Janet Young Maldia, of the home, two sons, Ernie Maldia & his wife Shelly, & Rubin Maldia, one daughter, Maria Maldia, a step son, Mike Winters and wife Janet, a step daughter, Amy Winters, two brothers, Efren Maldia & Willie Maldia, one sister, Thelma Tembrina, 10 grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren, and other extended family members.