Armando Apodaca

Jesus Armando "Mando" Apodaca, 63, passed away on December 8, 2025 in Fort Worth, TX. He was the oldest of six children, born on September 30, 1962, in El Paso, Texas, to Maximiano Apodaca and Francisca Gaxiola Apodaca. As a child, Mando enjoyed mathematics, playing baseball, and attending church with his family. He served as an alter boy for the Catholic church and read Bible exerts during mass in both English and Spanish. Mando attended El Paso High, where he met the love of his life, Charlotte Reyes, whom he would later marry and build a beautiful life with. From a young age, Mando developed a strong work ethic. As a teenager, he began working as a bricklayer to earn money, discovering a talent that would shape the rest of his life. Through years of dedication and mastery, he became an expert craftsman in brick masonry. His skill and reputation eventually led him to start his own business in New York, where he and his family lived for eight years before settling permanently in Fort Worth, Texas. Mando took great pride in his work, contributing to the construction of stunning homes in New York's affluent suburbs as well as well-known landmarks throughout Fort Worth. His hands helped build the places where countless memories were made-leaving behind a legacy of craftsmanship that will stand for generations. Mando had a tender heart, especially for animals. He was known for bringing home stray dogs and cats, giving them the love and shelter they deserved. He was also known for his quick wit and unforgettable sense of humor-always ready with a joke, a playful comment, or a story that could lift the mood of any room. His laughter was contagious, and his ability to bring joy to others was one of his most cherished gifts.

He is preceded in death by his mother, Francisca Gaxiola Apodaca. He is survived by his father, Maximiano Apodaca; his devoted wife, Charlotte Reyes Apodaca; and their three children: Crystal Nicole Apodaca (Alexis Arteaga), Justine Chiapa (Eduardo Chiapa), and Armond Anthony Apodaca (Leilani Apodaca). He also leaves behind his beloved grandchildren-Hailey, Aaliyah, and Olivia-who brought him immense joy.

Mando is survived as well by his siblings: Michael "Mike" Apodaca, Paul Apodaca (Kim Apodaca), Kathy Apodaca-Stanford (Jeff Stanford), Lorenzo Apodaca (Arasele Apodaca), and Anna Apodaca-Aldape (Eduardo "Eddie" Aldape); Nieces and nephews: Christina Apodaca, Michael Apodaca, Amber Apodaca, Gilbert Chacon, James Strauss, Jason Strauss, Autumn Apodaca, Dystini Apodaca, Saleen Gonzalez, Adelina Apodaca, along with many uncles, aunts, cousins, great nieces and nephews and dear friends.

His presence will be profoundly missed, but the strength, joy, and love he brought into the world will never fade.