RICARDO C. FUENTES Sr.

SAN ANGELO - Well done, thou good and faithful servant. Enter into the joy of The Lord. Matthew 25:21 On Jan. 29, 2005, our friend, whom we call Dad, Peppo, Grandpa, Brother, and Uncle, but also known as Ricardo C. Fuentes, Sr., kept his appointed time with our Lord from Angelo Community Medical Center after a long illness, at the age of 96 years young (as he used to say). Ricardo was born on Nov. 21, 1908, to Ricardo and Ercelia Fuentes; the fourth of eight children in Zaragosa, Coahuila, Mexico. Being a man of great pride, he became an American citizen in 1945. Ricardo married Aurelia Bermea on Sept. 25, 1935, in San Angelo, where they made their home. The couple had three children; Ricardo Jr, Maria Elida and Oralia. Moving to the U.S., the land of opportunity, at a very young age, Ricardo Sr. worked at various restaurants in downtown San Angelo, gaining experience and learning the business. Ricardo, along with brothers Alberto and Rosendo, ventured out and established "Fuentes Brothers Café" in the 1940's at 9 East Ave K, and later renamed it "Fuentes Café". They owned and operated the café for 45 years until their retirement. His grandson Richard Fuentes III, still owns and operates at the same Café under the name"Original Fuentes". Ricardo was a charter member of the Southside Lions Club, helping with their cooking projects until retirement, and continued to be a lifetime member of the organization. Preceding Ricardo in death were his parents; his beloved wife Aurelia; brothers, Ignacio, Alberto and Rodolfo Fuentes; sisters, Rita F. Flores and Maria F. Caballero; as well as his grandson, Rudy Fuentes. Ricardo, a quiet and gentle man, is survived by the love of one son, Richard Jr. and his wife Lydia; daughters, Maria Elida Perez and husband Ernest and Oralia Ferguson and husband Murrey; two brothers, Rosendo Fuentes and Manuel Fuentes and his wife Lydia of California; and a sister-in-law, Mrs. Albert (Janie) Fuentes. "Peppo" is also survived by the legacy of love given and shared by 17 grandchildren, 29 great-grandchildren, and 4 great-great-grandchildren. This was Ricardo's pride and joy that extended from Texas to New Mexico, all the way to Virginia and California. Many nieces, nephews and friends also survive Ricardo. Service will be under the direction of Johnson's Funeral Home. A prayer service was held at 7 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 31, 2005, in Johnson's Funeral Home Chapel. Mass of the Resurrection will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 1, 2005, at St. Mary Catholic Church with the Rev. Terry Brenon officiating. Carrying "Peppo" to his resting place at Calvary Cemetery will be his grandsons and honorary pallbearers will be his granddaughters. Special thanks to San Angelo Community Medical Center staff and their Auxiliary group for the care given to Dad; to Robert Perez and Josie Ortegon, and a special thank you and God Bless, for helping take care of Dad while he was at home; and last but not least, especially to Ernest Perez for all the attention given day and night for our beloved "Peppo." In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Mary Catholic Church Building Fund, in memory of Ricardo C. Fuentes, Sr.

February 2, 2005
Brenda Hedden Butler
To the Fuentes Family, my heart goes out to you. Fuentes always has and always be my favorite place to eat in San Angelo. People are treated good there. God has another Angel. He can be up there with my Dad now. God Bless You All. Brenda Hedden Butler

February 1, 2005
Salvador Marquez
May God Bless Mr.Fuentes

February 1, 2005
Sylvia and Charlie Ramirez
Our love and prayers are with the family at this time. The Lord has him at His side and that is wonderful place to be.

February 1, 2005
Ramona C Smith
In conclusion, brethrens,rejoice, be perfected, be comforted, be of the same mind, be at peace; and the God of peace and love will be with you. Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the saints send you greetings. Praise the Lord our God. Ramona C Smith

February 1, 2005
Paula C.
To the Fuentes Family, I didn't know any of you personally, but wanted to tell you how wonderful Mr. Fuentes always made his customers feel. Everyone was treated like they were #1. He was so wonderful with our children, and until they were almost grown, always chose Fuentes' restaurant when we were dining out.