Armando Fuentes

February 6, 1936 – December 23, 2020

On December 23, 2020 the Lord called the name of his humble servant our beloved father, grandfather, great grandfather Armando Fuentes, so that he may join his beloved wife Elia in His heavenly kingdom.

Armando was born in Laredo, and resided in Laredo all his life. He is preceded in death by his parents Francisco Fuentes, and Guadalupe Gomez Fuentes.

Armando was also preceded in death by his loving wife of 62 years Elia Martinez Fuentes. ‘He boasted that she could have had anybody she wanted, but she chose me.’ Proud of his high school sweetheart and wife, he confided, he loved to show her off. Always together in life, he missed her greatly, now they will be reunited for eternity in the kingdom of our heavenly Father.

Armando was a proud graduate of the Martin High School class of 1955. “Once a Tiger, Always a Tiger.” Armando was a member of the 1st State Champion Metal Shop Class at Martin High.

After high school Armando joined the United States Navy. During his “Boot Camp” training in San Diego, California, his training company named him their “Honor Man”, an award given to a recruit who was chosen by the drill instructors as the recruit that best exemplifies the highest traditions of the U.S. NAVY. He received training in electronics and became an Electrician’s Mate, earning the rank of Petty Officer 2ND Class before returning to his hometown. A proud veteran, his U.S. flag still and will always fly at his home.

Armando was employed at the Old Mercy Hospital for 37 years, as a maintenance supervisor for most of those years and retired from Mercy. In the early years Armando was a member of the Mercy Hospital “Medics” Championship Softball Team.

Armando was a devout Catholic who had a grand devotion to Our Lady of Guadalupe, and Father Pio was his Patron Saint. He prayed the Devine Mercy devoutly and Psalm 23 was his favorite psalm “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.” among his daily prayers was the Divine Mercy prayer “Jesus I trust in you.” Armando was a proud member of San Luis Rey Church and attended Sabatinas, and Saturday worship services regularly.

Armando is survived by his sister Estela (Maximiano deceased) Banda, and his brother Francisco (Lupita) Fuentes.

Extremely proud of his family Armando and Elia had four children, Armando (Victoria) Fuentes, Diana (Antonio) Aguilar, Cynthia Sanchez, and Adrian Fuentes; 10 grandchildren, Andrew and Nicholas Fuentes, Angelica (Tomas) Lazo, George, Juan Antonio, Melissa Aguilar, Ricardo Becerra, Alan Sanchez, Angelo and Alessandro Arriaga; 5 great-grandchildren, Caleb Fuentes, Tristan, Kaylee, and Ryan Lazo, and Mia Aguilar.

Armando was an avid fan of the San Antonio Spurs, the New York Yankees, and the Dallas Cowboys. He kept his mind sharp doing crossword puzzles, almost to the last days of his life.

Due to the COVID pandemic and for the safety of all, the family will be live streaming the funeral services including a Holy Rosary for the public at www.freddickey.com on Friday, starting at 5:00 pm.

The family will have a private viewing, Friday, January 1, 2021, at Fred Dickey Funeral & Cremation Services from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm. A Holy Rosary will start at 7:00 pm. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, January 2, 2021, at San Luis Rey Catholic Church. Funeral Mass will begin at 8:30 am. Interment will follow to the Calvary Catholic Cemetery with Military Honors provided by the U.S. Navy and American Legion Post 59 of Laredo.

Pallbearers will be Andrew Fuentes, Nicholas Fuentes, Alan Sanchez, Angelo Arriaga, Alessandro Arriaga, and Juan Antonio Aguilar. Honorary pallbearers are Ricardo Becerra and George Aguilar.

Funeral arrangements are by Fred Dickey Funeral & Cremation Services, 1320 Trey Dr., Laredo, Texas 78041 (956) 723-3611. For your convenience, you may leave your condolences to the family online at www.freddickey.com