Homero Avila Sr.'s Obituary
Homero Avila, Sr.
November 23, 1929 – August 19, 2025
Homero Avila, Sr., devoted husband, father, grandfather, and proud son of Donna, Texas, passed away peacefully at his home on Monday, August 19, 2025, at the age of 95. Surrounded by the love of his family, he was welcomed into the arms of our Lord.
Born on November 23, 1929, to Panfilo (P.R.) and Eva Avila, Homero’s life was rooted in faith, service, and love. He attended St. Edward’s Military Academy from 1944 to 1948 and continued his studies at St. Edward’s University until he was drafted into the U.S. Army during the Korean War. After his honorable service, Homero returned to St. Edward’s University and proudly graduated in 1955. He was later inducted twice into the prestigious Golden Guard, honoring alumni who celebrated five decades since their graduation—an accomplishment he cherished deeply.
Homero built a remarkable career, beginning as Paymaster for Taormina Canning Company in Donna (1955–1961), before joining the State Comptroller’s Department as a Revenue Examiner and later District Supervisor. His heart for community service was evident through his countless roles: Instructor of religious classes at St. Joseph’s Church, City Councilman for the City of Donna (1957–58), Secretary of the Knights of Columbus, Commander of the Catholic War Veterans, and a leader in civic and youth organizations including the Lions Club, Little League Baseball, the Boy Scouts of America, and the Hidalgo County Progressive Citizens League. He also served with pride on the State Committee on Higher Education and the Texas Guaranteed Student Loan Board. Professionally, he dedicated over 27 years as an International Bank Officer, earning the respect of colleagues and clients alike.
Beyond his professional and civic achievements, Homero was a man of many passions. He loved music, often singing along to the Mills Brothers and Frank Sinatra, with his favorite song, Solamente Una Vez, forever tied to the memory of his wedding day. He was an avid coin collector, artist, and designer—serving as art editor of his college yearbook and even creating the Avila family crest as well as designing his family home. He delighted in sketching cartoons, watching old westerns, cheering for the Houston Astros and Dallas Cowboys, and most of all, sharing laughter and stories with his wife, children, and grandchildren.
Homero’s greatest joy was his 68-year marriage to the love of his life, Leonor “Tita” Flores Avila. Their story began in a moment of destiny when their parents first met at Donna Avila Park. Tita’s father had brought his baseball team from Monterrey to play at the park owned by Homero’s father, and it was love at first sight. After four years of courtship, they married and together built a beautiful family and a life filled with devotion and lasting love.
Homero is preceded in death by his parents, Panfilo (P.R.) and Eva Avila; his son, Homer Avila Jr.; and his son-in-law, Joe Studer (Ludy).
He is survived by his beloved wife, Tita; his children, Titina (Gabriel), P.R. II (Sofia), and Ludy; his grandchildren, Homer III, R.J., Brianna, Homer Daniel, and Isabella; his sister, Irene Martinez; as well as many nieces, nephews, and friends who held him dear.
Homero Avila, Sr. was loved by all who knew him—a man of faith, loyalty, and integrity whose legacy will live on through the family and community he served so faithfully.
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