Horacio Acevedo, Sr.

Mr. Horacio C. Acevedo, loving husband and father, passed peacefully into the presence of our Lord, surrounded by his family on Saturday, August 22nd at the age of 90. Mr. Acevedo was born in Laredo, Texas on March 21, 1925. He enlisted in the U. S. Army at the age of 17 while still attending St. Joseph Academy. He served honorably in the Spearhead Third Armored Division as a driver of a Sherman tank and participated in the landing in Normandy on Omaha Beach. He was awarded several commendations including the Purple Heart, American Campaign Medal, European-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with 3 bronze service stars, World War II Victory Medal, Expert Badge with Submachine Gun Bar, and Sharpshooter Badge with Carbine Bar/Rifle Bar. Subsequent to his honorable discharge and distinguished service to his country, he returned to complete his senior year at St. Joseph's Academy. Soon afterwards he married his long time sweetheart, Lilia Cavazos. The couple celebrated 68 years of marriage on June 1st. Mr. Acevedo graduated from St. Mary's University with a Bachelor's degree in Science, then received his Master's from Texas A&I Kingsville. The importance of a good education is something he instilled in all his children. He began as a sixth grade teacher at Buenos Aires Elementary School, then was promoted to Assistant Principal. He then worked for the U.S. Department of Labor as the Executive Director of the J.T.P.E. Programs in Laredo. In addition to his day job came the true love of his life. Mr. Acevedo managed the family ranch where he did some farming and ran a small cow/calf operation. He also owned a feed store for several years. He was an avid hunter and fisherman who enjoyed the outdoors. He was named Rancher of the Year in 2000. Mr. Acevedo was a supporter of Laredo Life Downs Fair and Exposition. He loved supporting the 4H and FFA student projects for many years. He is preceded in death by his wife, Lilia C. Acevedo; his parents, Carlos Acevedo and Tomasita Guerra Acevedo; his father and mother-in-law, Antonio Cavazos and Lilia Lugo Cavazos; his sister Hortencia (Carlos) Ochoa; brother Homero (Ruth) Acevedo (Colorado); sister and brother-in-law, Irma Novoa and Mario Novoa; and brother-in-law Rodolfo Leos (San Antonio). He is survived by his six children, Horacio C. (Nora) Acevedo Jr., Cynthia Dovalina (San Antonio), Lily A. Gates (San Antonio), Sandra (Robert) Herzik (San Antonio), Xavier Acevedo, and David Acevedo (Lamar). He is also survived by his seventeen grandchildren who brought him such joy and pride in their accomplishments; Nora Elia (Ramon) Perales, Clarissa (Gerardo) Garcia, Horacio C. "Guero" (Melissa) Acevedo, Maribel Acevedo, Lizette (Macario) Diaz (San Antonio), Melissa (Danny) Dovalina (San Antonio), Crystal (Matthew) Daniels (San Antonio), Edward (Brittany) Gates (San Antonio), Dr. Michael Herzik (San Antonio), Matthew Herzik (San Antonio), Alexandra Acevedo, Carlos J. Acevedo, Denise Acevedo, Diana Acevedo (San Antonio), Deborah Acevedo (San Antonio), Vanessa Villarreal and Kathryn D. Villarreal; thirteen great-grandchildren, and two great-great grandchildren. Also surviving him are his sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Mrs. Amparo Leos (San Antonio) and Dr. Antonio Cavazos (San Antonio), numerous cousins, nephews, nieces, and long-life friends. The family would like to thank his caregivers, Juanita, Alma and Olga. The family will be receiving friends and relatives on Friday, August 28, 2015 at Joe Jackson Heights Funeral Chapels, 719 Loring at Cortez from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. with a Rosary and Vigil being celebrated at 7 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, August 29, 2015 at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, beginning at 9 a.m. The funeral procession will depart the chapel at 8:30 a.m. Entombment will follow at the Calvary Catholic Cemetery Mausoleum, where Military Honors will be rendered by the American Legion Post 59 and the Fort Sam Houston Honor Guard. You may express your condolences online at www.joejacksonfuneralchapels.com Arrangements are under the direction of the funeral service professionals at Joe Jackson Heights Funeral Chapels, 719 Loring at Cortez, Laredo, TX 78040, 956.722.0001