Antonio Rangel

A lifelong resident of Laredo, Texas, Antonio Ramon Rangel, an educator and gentleman, passed away at the ripe age of 85. Antonio Rangel unselfishly served his country, family, friends and community. Antonio Rangel was one of seven children. Joining the military, the then Army Air Corp, Antonio served honorably in the South Pacific theatre towards the end of World War II. Upon exiting the military, Antonio earned a bachelor's degree in education from Southwest Texas State University (presently Texas State University) and later a Master's degree from Laredo State University (now TAMIU). Antonio imparted his love for education and learning, particularly Science and History, upon the youth of the Laredo Independent School District, teaching at Tarver Elementary and Memorial Middle Schools. Mr. Rangel, as he was respectfully referenced by his students, devoted 45 years to educating the youth of his beloved community. Antonio Rangel or "Tony", as he was lovingly known to friends and family was a devoted husband of 47 years to Maria Teresa (Serna) Rangel and a devoted father to their five children Alex, Ricardo, Roberto, Rolando and Mary Louise. Disciplined, yet fun-loving, Tony was an athletic sort, playing on volleyball teams and a member of local softball and bowling leagues up until the age of 55. He was notably known as "Lefty" for his left-handed pitching and bowling accomplishments. Affectionately known as "Grampy", Tony, always the teacher, was equally comfortable teaching his own children and grandchildren as he did his students. Tony's strength was his diligence and patience. Whether dealing with adults or children, he had a passion for sharing his knowledge, experience and love for humanity. Antonio is preceded in death by his parents Rosendo Rangel and Anita (De Leon) Rangel, his wife Maria Teresa Rangel, sisters Juanita Villarreal Cavazos, Guadalupe Rangel Canales, brother Gustavo Rangel and son Ricardo I. Rangel. Antonio is survived by his brother Salvador Rangel, his sisters Margarita Rangel Molina and Alicia Rangel, children Alex Rangel, Roberto Rangel, Rolando (Leticia) Rangel and Mary Louise (Gilbert) Navarro. Antonio is further survived by grandchildren Jessica (Henry III) Martinez, Roberto Rangel, Jr., Sheryl Rangel, Ronald Rangel, Steffi Rangel, Edward Rangel, Andrew Navarro, Jennifer Navarro and great-grand child Henry Martinez, IV. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews. Antonio R. "Tony", "Mr. Rangel", "Lefty", and "Grampy" Rangel will be greatly missed. The family will receive condolences the evening of Thursday the 19th of February 2015 from 5 to 9 with a Vigil for the Deceased and Rosary being offered at 7 at Joe Jackson North Funeral Chapels, 1410 Jacaman Rd. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated the morning of Friday the 20th of February 2015 departing the chapel at 10:45 a.m. to San Martin de Porres Catholic Church. Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Pallbearers will be: Robert L. Rangel Jr., Andrew Navarro, Henry Martinez III, Gilbert Navarro, Rolando Rangel, Roberto Rangel Sr., Alex Rangel, and Miguel Pea. Interment with Military Honors will follow at the Calvary Catholic Cemetery. Honors will be presented by the American Legion Post 59 and US Air Force Flag Detail Team. You may extend your condolences online at: www.joejacksonfuneralchapels.com Arrangements have been entrusted to the funeral service professionals at Joe Jackson North Funeral Chapels, 1410 Jacaman Rd., Laredo, Texas 78041, (956) 722-8850.