January 4, 2023 631 PM
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: older brother Conrado Vasquez Jr., 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 two years before he volunteered for the U.S. Army, where he was assigned to the tank battalion and deployed to Europe during World War II. He was the last surviving WWII 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 that time, he established his business making a living as a car mechanic providing for his wife Josie and his three 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’s Church. The viewing will be at 9 a.m., followed by the Rosary at 10 a.m. and the Mass at 10:30 a.m. 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.
