FRANCISCO FUENTES JR.

(click here for live visitation)

Francisco Fuentes Jr., "Chompi", as he was known, born March 15, 1942 in Laredo, Texas, entered eternal rest on this day of Saturday, May 1, 2021, at the age of 79.

Francisco was preceded in death by his brother, Armando Fuentes and parents Francisco Fuentes Sr. and Guadalupe Gomez de Fuentes.

Francisco is survived by his loving wife, of 41 years, Maria Guadalupe "Lupita G." Fuentes, sister Estela Fuentes-Banda, daughter, Christina Fuentes, son Robert Fuentes, 7 grandchildren;Robert Jr., Dezirae, Danielle, Izayah, Elyzjah, Donovan, and Michaela, and  2 great granddaughters; Everleigh Grace and Charlie Marie, along with numerous cousins, nephews and nieces.

Also surviving him are other relatives and many friends.

Francisco was employed as an Immigration Inspector with the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service, otherwise known as Homeland Security, at the Port of Entry in Laredo, Texas. Francisco began his career in 1984, graduated from the U.S. Customs Service Academy, located in Glenco, Georgia, on December 8, 1988. During his tenor, Francisco was recognized and awarded several certificates including The Sharpshooter Certificate 1988, and Outstanding Performance Rating in 1992/1993. Francisco retired, along with his badge, in September of 1997 and was presented a Certificate of Appreciation Award from the U.S. Department of Justice Commissioner.

In the early years, Francisco was involved in baseball, football, basketball, and track-n-field and won several Championships with the Laredo Boy's Club Basketball Team, and City League Basketball Teams. Francisco graduated from Martin High School in 1960 and soon after enlisted with the U.S. Air Force in September of 1960, stationed at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas, and then transferred to Castle Air Force Base in Atwater, California, assigned to the 93rd Combat Support Group Squadron. For a brief stint, Francisco was transferred to Bitburg, Germany with the  22nd Munitions Maintenance Squadron for 6 months, and soon after returned to Castle. After 4 years in the Air Force, Francisco moved to Sacramento, California where he would attend and graduate from Sacramento City College in 1974, before further carrying his education to Sacramento State University through 1977.

In 1978, Francisco returned to Laredo, Texas and joined L.U.L.A.C. Council No. 12 and bestowed the following: 1980 Freshman of the Year Award, 198 Key Man Award, 1982 Man of the Year Award, 1983 General Chairman for Noche Mexicana, Senor Internacional, and Mantinee Mexicano, 1984 Chairman of Memorial Day Scholarship Fund Dance, 1986 Special Presidential Award, and played a huge role as a part of the National LULAC Council of the Year Award, two years in a row. In 1987, Francisco Co-Chaired El Rey Feo Scholarship Fund Dance, and Co Chaired the Sacred Heart Orphanage Out-doors Bar-B-Q. Francisco was also an Usher at the Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church.

Special thank you to Dr. Rafael Deliz, Dr. Carlos Espinoza, Dr. Carlos Cigarroa, Dr. Ricardo Cigarroa, Dr. Ian Guerra, Dr. Amador Flores and Dr. Sonny Wong. Also to Mr. Peter Gonzalez at  the Laredo Lifeline Ambulance Service, Las Canteras Rental Center, Elara Caring Hospice, Father Hector Flores, Chaplain Kelly, Father Leszek, Nurse Mayela and Nurse Lucy and Assistant Sofia.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, May 6, 2021 from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. and a Vigil of the Deceased, officiated by Armando Fuentes Jr., will be held at 7 p.m. in the Hernandez, Lopez and Sons, Northside Chapels, 800 Boston St. on San Bernardo Ave. Funeral services will begin departing the funeral home chapel at 8:30 a.m. on Friday, May 7, 2021. Holy Mass will be celebrated at 9 a.m. at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church. Committal services and interment with full military honors will follow at the Laredo City Cemetery-Veteran's section.