Javier R. Lozano

Javier R. Lozano

June 4, 1947- December 25, 2024

Javier R. Lozano, 77, passed away on Wednesday, December 25, 2024.

Javier was born the youngest of four children (Raul, Adriana, Laura) to Francisca and Raul Lozano in Laredo, Texas on June 4, 1947. He was the consummate husband, father, relative and friend. He left an impression on all who crossed his path with his loyalty, support, wit and compassion. His strong philanthropic spirit was evident with his 45 years of service and support to local charities and youth sports. He was a pioneer in computer programming technology during its evolution. Javier (“dude” as his two sons called him) was one of, if not the first Hispanics to graduate from the University of Texas (UT) at Austin with a bachelor’s degree in computer science and one of the first Hispanics to work for NASA. Javier was a lifetime UT fan and his favorite hobby was watching the Longhorns play no matter what the sport was. He worked for NASA as a computer programming / coding engineer on the Apollo 11 mission which was when the first astronauts landed on the lunar surface.

Javier graduated with highest honors from Martin High School in 1965 and received his associate’s degree from Laredo Junior College in 1967. He then transferred to UT - Austin and earned his bachelors of arts degree in computer science in 1969 and his master’s degree in business administration in 1971. Javier was one of the first Hispanics to graduate with honors and he received the Dean’s Award numerous times.

In 1969, he was hired by Philco Ford to work on the Apollo 11 lunar landing mission. His input and astuteness in computer programming assisted in solving a critical landing problem that occurred unexpectedly. Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin needed guidance as the computer program on the lunar lander failed. Computer programming engineers (including Javier) assisted to provide support to save the mission and enable the astronauts to avoid rocky areas, find flat terrain and executive a safe manual landing. In 1971, he was hired by OXXO Petroleum (later by Exxon Mobil), moved the family to Houston and worked in the oil and gas computer programming field for the next nine years. In 1980, he was hired by Sanchez O’Brien Oil and Gas, moved the family to Laredo and worked in creating and maintaining computer systems and databases. In 1986, he became the publisher of the Laredo News (former local newspaper) which was sold the next year by its owners to the Hearst Corporation. Javier was then hired by the Laredo National Bank which later became BBVA Compass. He served 27 years as a vice president and did extensive work in human resources, auditing, networking and computers. After leaving the banking industry, he was hired by Laredo College (LC) and joined the education profession. He spent seven years as a grant program administrator for various Title III and Title V grants awarded to the institution by the U.S. Department of Education. He worked at LC for 7 years until his retirement in 2021. Everywhere he worked, he embraced his duties and was dearly loved and respected by his peers. In 50 years of employment, he did not use one sick day.

Javier met Margarita, the love of his life, during their college days at LJC. They fell in love and became inseparable. They got married in Laredo on June 21st, 1969 surrounded by friends and family. In 1971, Javier and Margarita had their first child, David Javier. 4 years later, they welcomed their second child, Gabriel Eloy into the world. He worked hard to make sure that they were always taken care of and felt his love and support every single day.

One of his favorite hobbies was supporting the University of Texas. He was an avid alumni enthusiast and lifetime member of the UT Texas-Exes. Never did he miss a UT football game and regularly spoke with his two sons about new players and the state of the team. He was his happiest when the Longhorns would win on Saturdays. Over the years, he also regularly volunteered as a coach in flag football and basketball at United Day School for all elementary age divisions. 

Javier wore many titles over the years including husband, dad, brother, son, relative and friend. He regularly donated his free time and served various non-profit organizations. Javier was a former president and lifetime board member for the Boys and Girls Club of Laredo and served many years as a board member with Communities in Schools of Laredo. His main philanthropic passion was little league baseball. He was the league president for the Optimist Little League for 20 years and then served as The District 34 administrator until retiring in 2006. He spent 6 days a week at the baseball field making sure that things were running smoothly and regularly helped players, parents and coaches. For many years he would transport children who played on the teams to out of town tournaments and many times he utilized his own means to pay for food, gas and other costs. One of the fondest teams to him was the 1989 Optimist Little League team (11–12-year-olds) that beat the #1 ranked team in the nation (Dallas Carrolton North) in the quarterfinals and finished 3rd at the Texas State Little League Tournament. He positively affected thousands of kids over the years and his lasting impacts shall remain sprinkled all over Laredo.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Francisca, by his father, Raul and by his brother, Raul Jr.

He is survived by his wife, Margarita Ramirez-Lozano, his children David Javier (Jeanna), Gabriel Eloy (Elva), his sisters Adriana (Enrique) Gutierrez and Laura (Ernesto) Perez.

Pallbearers will be Dr. David Javier Lozano, Gabriel Eloy Lozano, Roberto Lozano, Richard Lozano, Ernesto Perez Jr., Frank Alex Vida II, Roberto Antonio Vida and Michael Perez.

Any memorial contributions should be directed to the Boys and Girls Club of Laredo or Communities in Schools of Laredo.

The family will be receiving condolences on Sunday evening, January 5, 2025 from 5 to 9 p.m. at Joe Jackson North Funeral Chapels & Cremation Services, 1410 Jacaman Rd.; where a Vigil for the Deceased and Rosary will commence at 7 p.m.

Funeral Services will be conducted on Monday morning, January 6, 2025 departing at 9:30 a.m. from Joe Jackson North Funeral Chapels to Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church for a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m.

Rite of Committal and Interment will follow at the family plot of the Calvary Catholic Cemetery.

You may express your condolences, share your favorite memories, and sign the guestbook online at: www.joejacksonfuneralchapels.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care and direction of the funeral service professionals at Joe Jackson North Funeral Chapels & Cremation Services, 1410 Jacaman Rd., Laredo, Texas 78041; (956)722-8850.