Arnold Mercado, Sr.

Arnold Mercado Sr., 75 of San Benito, Texas went to be with our Lord on July 19, 2020.

Arnold was born on November 26, 1944, the son of Elena Contreras and Juan Mercado. He graduated from San Benito High School, class of 1963.

Arnold married Graciela Longoria on January 31, 1968. The couple was blessed with two children, Arnold Jr. and Lorraine.

Arnold worked the majority of his life in the insurance industry. Later in life, he was in the real estate business. He served as a Sergeant in the U.S. Army.

He enjoyed attending church throughout his life and he was a faithful servant to our Lord. He was a Deacon at Iglesia Bautista Emmanuel where he was involved in many organizations. Arnold’s hobbies include fishing, playing racquetball with his son and colleagues and visiting with friends and family. Arnold’s friends and family will always remember his laughter and contagious smile.

He is survived by his wife, Graciela, son Arnold Jr., wife Jacquelyn, and grandson Lance Mercado of Houston; daughter Lorraine, husband Luke, and grandson Dominic Steinmetz of Lubbock; mother-in-law, Elida Longoria; brothers and sisters, Eduardo, Eliezer, Lupita, and Maura Longoria, Oralia and Teodoro Garza, Belia Castle, Dora Almaraz, Obed and Rosemary Longoria; nieces, nephews, cousins, and many other loving family members and friends who will miss him dearly.

Arnold was preceded in death by his parents; father-in-law, Ignacio Longoria; brothers-in-law, Ernesto Aguilera and Bob Castle.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to San Benito Funeral Home. Visitation will be held on Friday, July 24, 2020 from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at San Benito Funeral Home. Funeral service will be held on Saturday, July 25, 2020 at 12:30 p.m. in the San Benito Funeral Home chapel followed by 2:00 p.m. interment at Mont Meta Memorial Park, 26170 TX-345, San Benito, TX 78586.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to hospice center Sunshine Haven Inc., 7105 W. Lakeside Blvd., Olmito, TX 78575, online www.sunchinehaveninc.org or to a charity of one’s choice.

All guests must wear a facial covering and maintain social distancing of at least 6 feet while visiting San Benito Funeral Home.