Armando Vasquez

Armando F. Vasquez, 97, passed away peacefully on December 25, 2022, in Odessa, Texas.

Although Mando, as he was known, was born in Marfa, he was raised in Casa Piedra. At this time Casa Piedra was a close-knit ranching community that had about 50 families that lived there and made a living from the land, however the depression brought an end to Casa Piedras prosperity and folks moved to the surrounding towns.

Armando lived with his parents Conrado L. Vasquez and Concha H. Vasquez in Casa Piedra along with his siblings: an older brother Conrado Vasquez, Jr., an older sister Carmen, and his younger sister Conchita.

Armando attended elementary school at Casa Piedra until he finished eighth grade. After this he went to Marfa High School where he completed 2 years before he volunteered for U.S. Army, where he was assigned to the tank battalion and deployed to Europe during WWII. He was the last surviving World War II Veteran in Marfa, Texas.  After his European tour, he came back and married his high school sweetheart, Josie Velasco. They were married for 76 years. Within time, he established his business making a living as a car mechanic providing for his wife Josie and his 3 children: Olga, Millie, and Loretto.

Armando is preceded in death by Josie, his wife: his daughter, Emilia “Millie” Panek; his parents Conrado and Concha Vasquez and his siblings; Conrado Vasquez Jr., Carmen Vasquez and Conchita Mendoza.

He is survived by his daughter, Olga Hernandez; son Loretto Vasquez (Conchita); and grandchildren Jacqueline Dupont (Scott), Elijio Hernandez Jr. (Farrah), Brian Vasquez (Rosie), Melissa Hope, Gabriel Vasquez, and Adrian Vasquez (Adri). He also had 10 great-grandchildren.

Services will be held for both Armando and Josie on Jan. 3, 2023 at St. Mary Church. The viewing will be at 9am, followed by the rosary at 10am and the mass at 10:30am. Pallbearers will be Brian Vasquez, Elijio Hernandez Jr., Gabriel Vasquez, Adrian Vasquez, Christopher Vasquez, and Brian Vasquez, Jr.

Online condolences may be left at: www.alpinememorialfuneralhome.com

Services have been entrusted to Alpine Memorial Funeral Home in Alpine, Texas.