Abel Suarez, Sr.

Abel Suarez Sr, 93, passed away peacefully at home on September 24, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. Born 1931 in the small town of San Pedro, Texas, he was the third of seven children born of Guadalupe and Maria de Jesus Suarez. He grew up working on his family's farm and playing semi-pro baseball alongside his brothers, loving to endlessly watch baseball games, especially his favorite team, the Texas Rangers.

Abel joined the US Army in 1953 during the Korean War, and although he had secretly hoped to be a paratrooper, was chosen to train for a special assignment, and subsequently named an MP. He suffered an accident while in the Army that left his arm disabled. It did not stop him from having a successful, 37-year career with the US Army Corps of Engineers, proudly earning several awards and certifications.

He met his beloved wife, Celia Cortez, while out dancing at the local dance halls, and celebrated their 68th wedding anniversary this past January 1st. They lived most of their years on their ranch south of San Benito, having returned from San Antonio after retiring 30 years ago to enjoy seeing their family grow. 

Abel was preceded in death by his eldest daughter, Norma Irene, their baby son, his parents, and his older brother, Alberto, and older sister, Maria Magdalena. His siblings Lidia Lucia (Abel) Longoria, Calixto (Minerva) Suarez Sr, Israel (Maria) Suarez, and Armando (Sylvia) Suarez to cherish his memory.

Left to treasure his memory are his wife, Celia, his children Corina Cantu, Abel (Patricia) Suarez Jr, Maricela (Vince) Galvan, and Monique (Jon) Turner; his grandchildren Gustavo (Mariela) Cantu III, Aaron (Leah) Cantu, Javier (Korina) Cantu, Jason (Lynette) Suarez, Klaryssa Suarez, Veronica Angelina Galvan, Vince Galvan III; his great grandchildren Mia Cantu, Ana Cantu, Gustavo Cantu IV, Arliana Cantu, Aaron Cantu Jr, Javier Cantu Jr, Addalyn Suarez, and Colton Abel Suarez; as well as several generations of nieces, nephews, and extended family members; who lovingly called him “Tio Chorre”.

The family extend their heartfelt gratitude to all the excellent caretakers provided by the Veterans Administration, Freedom Home Health, and the Harbor Hospice Care of McAllen. Also, a grateful thanks for the long time care and concern for our father provided by Dr. Charles F. Mild. We would also like to acknowledge the amazing care given around the clock by caregivers Laura Ledezma, Maria Galvan, and Bertha Ramirez. They have each become family to us, and this journey over the last four years could not have been possible without their love and support.

The Suarez family will receive friends and family on Thursday, September 26, 2024, from 3:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Buck Ashcraft San Benito Funeral Home. A recitation of Holy Rosary will begin at 7 o’clock Thursday evening (Livestream: https://view.oneroomstreaming.com/index.php?data=MTcyNzM5NTkwODMzMDA5NSZvbmVyb29tLWFkbWluJmNvcHlfbGluaw==). A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, September 27, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. at St. Benedict Catholic Church. Following the Mass, Abel will be laid to rest at Mont Meta Memorial Park.

Pallbearers will be Gus Cantu III, Aaron Cantu, Javier Cantu, Jason Suarez, Klaryssa Suarez, Angelina Galvan and Vince Galvan III. Serving as his honorary pallbearers are Emma Turner, Emily Rubio, and Kassandra Rubio.