August J. Navarro

1919 - 2009

Augie was born on April 23, 1919 in Michoacan, Mexico to Bernabe Navarro and Angelita Cardenas Navarro and peacefully departed this life with family at his side on May 26, 2009 at the age of 90 years old.  At the age of 3 with his widowed mother, brother and sister, the family came to California and settled in Merced Falls.  His mother re-married Augustine Torres and the family grew to include 7 more brothers and one more sister.  He attended Merced Falls grammar school and graduated from Merced High School.  He then worked for a few years at the lumber mill in Merced Falls.  In March of 1943 he was drafted into the U.S. Army and ended up in North Africa.  He was wounded in action in the Battle of Anzio Beach Head and was hospitalized for 3 months.  He received the Purple Heart Medal for his courageousness in battle.  After recuperating, he was sent back to his 45th division in Southern France.  At the end of World War II, he came home and began work at Valley Typewriter Company in Fresno, a career that would span over 60 years!  He then moved to work for the company in Merced, which in later years became known as Valley Business Center.   He so enjoyed his work and his co-workers and customers.  There wasn't any piece of office equipment Augie couldn't repair.  He took great pride in his work. 
In 1949, he married Consuelo “Connie” Estrada in Dos Palos, CA.  Together they had 3 children, Michael, Sheila, and Lisa.  Augie and Connie recently celebrated 60 wonderful years of marriage on May 1, 2009.  In his earlier years, he coached Little League baseball with his son on the team, and took the Knights of Columbus Majors to the City Championship in 1962.  Later he took up golf and it became a passion he was tremendous at.  He was a member of Merced Golf and Country Club for 40 years.  He served on the Board of Directors there from 1984 to 1986.  Augie also had the pleasure of being a disc jockey and spinning the records for the KC dances at Our Lady of Merced High School from 1957 to 1970.  He loved music and so many happy memories were made not only for him, but all the kids that went to those dances.  He was the hometown Dick Clark of those high school dances.  Augie was a proud member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion, Club Mercedes, Knights of Columbus 3rd and 4th degree, and the Disabled American Veterans.  He was a long time member of Our Lady of Mercy/ St. Patrick's parish and served as an usher for many years. 
He was preceded in death by his parents Bernabe Navarro and Angelita Navarro-Torres, his stepfather Augustine Torres, 3 brothers, Ralph Navarro, Alfonso and Danny Torres, a sister Anita Saxon, and his daughter Sheila Horta.  He leaves behind to cherish his memory his beloved wife Connie, his son Michael and wife Andrea, granddaughters Janette and husband David Tapetillo, along with Augie's 4th great-grandchild to be born in November, Melissa Navarro and fiancée Matthew Kafka, and Michelle Navarro.  His daughter Lisa Beaman and fiancé Larry Viani, and grandson Cody August Beaman.  His granddaughter Shelli Simpson and husband Thomas Simpson, and great granddaughter Taylor Simpson.  His granddaughter Aimee Horta and fiancé Sean Williams, and great grandchildren Brittney Thurman and Logan Williams.  His brothers Alfred, Tony, Dickie, Gilbert, and Bobby Torres, and his sister Lupe Stewart also survive him, as well as numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and many, many dear friends.  In lieu of flowers, the family would like to request remembrances be made to Our Lady of Mercy School.
We love him and will miss him dearly, but he will forever be in our memory.  His strong faith in God, love of his family, and his kind and gentle nature will always be remembered by all who knew him.  We take comfort in knowing he is in God's loving arms.  May he rest in peace. 
Public visitation will be held on Friday, May 29, 2009 from 12:00 P.M. to 5:00 P.M. at Ivers & Alcorn Funeral Home in Merced, following a Recitation of the Holy Rosary at 7:00 P.M. at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Merced. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 9:00 A.M. Saturday, May 30, 2009 at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Merced. Burial with military honors to follow at Calvary Cemetery in Merced.