Fred Velasquez

Fred Velasquez LUBBOCK-Alfredo Fred Velasquez of Lubbock passed away surrounded by family and friends on Sunday, Feb. 22, 2015, at the age of 56. He was born Sept. 10, 1958, in Lubbock to Francisco and Juanita (Luna) Velasquez, Sr. Fred graduated from Ralls High School and went on to attend Dallas Institute of Funeral Service. He served his apprenticeship at Gonzalez Funeral Home of Dallas 1985-1987 before taking a job at Resthaven Funeral Home in Lubbock 1987-2000 where he later served as general manager. Beginning in 2001, Fred worked for Grupo Deco in the McAllen and Harlingen area and later for White Mortuaries in Lubbock, Texas. In 2004, Fred accepted a job with Pierce Chemicals where he worked as a sales representative in the funeral industry. He enjoyed traveling and visiting with those in the industry and took every opportunity to play golf. Fred also enjoyed dancing and spending time with his family. Fred married Martha Castillo on June 10, 1978, in Ralls. They were members of St. John Neumann Catholic Church, where he served as Eucharistic Minister and Lector for a number of years. Fred enjoyed being part of the Lubbock community. He has served on the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and Hospice of Lubbock Board of Directors, as well as two terms on the Texas Funeral Directors Association Board of Directors and through the chairs of the Panhandle Funeral Directors Association. He was a member of all eight regions of the TFDA and at one time served as Vice President of the Texas Funeral Sales Club. In 2008, Fred was nominated and awarded as Supplier of the Year for the Panhandle Region. Those left to cherish his memory are his wife of more than 36 years, Martha; daughters, Jennifer Velasquez and fianc , Dana Hopkins and Jessica Sanchez and husband, Rodrigo, all of Lubbock; brothers, Francisco Frank Velasquez, Jr. and wife, Josie, Vincent Velasquez and wife, Molly, and Rudy Velasquez and wife, Gloria; sisters, Olivia Escobar and significant other, Arturo Zuniga, Susie Mendoza, and Tina Belyeu and husband, David; and his precious granddaughter, Maya Aubrey Sanchez. Fred was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Angel Velasquez. Visitation will be 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2015, at Combest Family Memorial Chapel. Rosary will be recited at 7 p.m. at St. John Neumann Catholic Church. Mass is scheduled for 10 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 26, 2015, at St. John Neumann Catholic Church with interment to follow in Resthaven Memorial Park. The family would like to express their thanks to the Southwest Cancer Center and staff, Gentiva Hospice and the staff of UMC 4 West, and Dr. Cobos for the loving care provided during his illness. Martha, Jennifer, Jessica and the entire Velasquez family would like to thank Fred's professional community for their generosity, love, and support expressed to them the past year and a half as well as the past few days during this difficult time. You are all Fred's family that he truly loved. Please celebrate the life of Fred by visiting www.combestfamilyfuneralhomes.com.