Francisco Avelar

Francisco (Frank) Avelar
Jan 5, 1928 - Mar. 14, 2015

Frank, 87, passed away in the company of his family at the Valley Baptist Hospital, Saturday afternoon. He was born in Tepic, Nayarit, Mexico, to his mother, Placida Ornelas Lopez, and father Herminio Avelar. He made his home Brownsville when he fell in love and married the athletic beauty, Consuelo (Chelo) Flores Garcia, in 1948. Chelo was a star softball player, and it wasn't long before Frank got addicted to the game. Frank ran the InterAmerican Baseball League, which played teams from Brownsville , from throughout the Valley, Mexican border towns and beyond. The league produced several professional baseball players. He was inducted into the baseball Leo Najo Hall of Fame in October 2011.
He had a love and devotion for the Knights of Columbus. He very much treasured the friends and camaraderie, but he especially appreciated all the good work and donations the Knights made for so many. He looked forward to the weekly bingos and all the events held by the Knights. He proudly wore the Knights armor at every occasion he could. He served until his health permitted.

Frank worked as the fountain manager of the Neisners Retail Store downtown until its closure. Many know him from the service he gave them when they bought their shinny new car from Pane Ford Motor Company.

Frank celebrated 62 years of marriage before Chelo passed away. He was a devout catholic, husband and father. He left behind a legacy of love. Frank is survived by 12 children. Residing in Brownsville are Gloria A. Gonzales and spouse, Daniel Rodriguez; Frank Avelar, Jr., and wife, Isabel Avelar; Mary Ann Flores and spouse, Alejandro Flores; Charles Avelar and wife, Josie Avelar; Ofelia Buffamonte and spouse, Tom Buffamonte; Wally Avelar, and wife, Linda Avelar; Richard Avelar and wife, Cindy H. Avelar; Mary Elizabeth Guerra and spouse, Richard Guerra; James Avelar and wife, Ivette Avelar; and Robert Avelar. Residing in Houston, Tx, are Henry Avelar and wife, Grace Avelar. Residing in San Antonio are Mary Rose LeBlanc and spouse, Robert LeBlanc. He is also survived by over 30 grandchildren and great grandchildren. Very close to the family in our hour of need have been Esperanza Avelar Luna and our aunt, Gloria Escareno.

Serving as honorary pallbearers will be Frank Avelar, Jr., and Henry Avelar
Pallbearers will be Charles Avelar, Richard Avelar, Wally Avelar, Robert Avelar, James Avelar, and Robert Gonzales, Jr.

The family will receive friends from 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm on Wednesday, March 18, 2015 at Trevi�o Funeral Home North Chapel with a Rosary at 7 pm.

Funeral mass will be held at 10 am Thursday, March 19, 2015 at St. Luke Catholic Church.

Burial will follow at Buena Vista Burial Park.