George L. Labar Jr

George Luddington  Labar, Jr., 84, died at his South Padre Island residence on Tuesday, June 5, 2018. He was born January 19, 1934 on the Hardin Ranch north of Harlingen.

Survivors include his wife, Lesa Labar of South Padre Island, daughter Becky Labar of Harlingen, son, Lee Labar of Houston, granddaughter Kristin Brown, three great-granddaughters: Kyndra Brown, Kyleigh Brown, Kymberlynn McConnell, all of Harlingen, his sisters Jean Kidd of Harlingen, Mary Owens of McAllen, numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents George and Cordie Labar, a sister Joyce Ryan, brothers Wayne and Jimmy Labar.

After graduating Harlingen High School and attending Schreiner College in Kerrville, George began his farming and ranching career in the Rio Hondo area.  A breeder of full-French Charolais cattle, he was well known for his expertise, judging cattle shows throughout the United States as well as Great Britain and France.

George served many years on the board of directors of Valley Baptist Medical Center.  He was one of the founders of the First National Bank of San Benito (now First Community Bank) where he served on the board of directors, eventually going to work at the Los Fresnos branch then on South Padre Island where he worked right up to the day of his death.  He was a member of Island Baptist Church.

The family would like to thank the many friends around South Padre Island, including the staff of Sea Vista condominiums, who patiently helped “Mr. George” in his last years as his mobility became increasingly difficult.  Special heart-felt gratitude is extended to the First Community Bank Family for their kindness, and to Tony De La Rosa whose faithful support proved invaluable to George time and again.

Visitation will be held on Friday, June 8, 2018 from 2 pm - 9 pm at Buck Ashcraft Funeral home in Harlingen, with family attending from 5 pm - 7 pm.  Funeral service will be held at 10 am Saturday, June 9, 2018 at Island Baptist Church, 107 W. Mesquite St., on South Padre Island.  A graveside service will follow at 2 pm at Heavenly Grace Memorial Park, 26873 White Ranch Rd., La Feria.

Honorary pallbearers will be Tony De La Rosa, J.R. Ingendorf, Lee Labar, Bill Mcmurray, and Jack Scoggins, as well as members of the board of directors of First Community Bank: Leonard Simmons, Michael Scott, Anita Boswell, Cecil Simmons, Frank Russell, Francisco Loya, and Luis Muzquiz.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Island Baptist Church, 107 W. Mesquite St., South Padre Island, TX.