Alfonso R. Nava, Sr.

Alfonso R. Nava, Sr., age 93, of Baytown, TX was born on August 3rd, 1921, in Marathon, TX to Felipe & Patrocina Rodriguez Nava and passed away on Friday, January 30, 2015, peacefully from the arms of his loving wife to the arms of his LORD.

He attended De Zavala Elementary with Mrs. Jesse who he spoke of often. He also attended Baytown Junior High where he completed the sixth grade and then went on to work at a very young age. In 2002, Goose Creek C.I.S.D. honored Veterans who left school to fight for our country with a high school diploma. He proudly walked with his cap and gown to receive such an honor from Robert E. Lee High School.

Alfonso, a World War II Veteran, proudly served in The 1st Cavalry Division (""First Team""), one of the most decorated combat divisions of the United States Army. He was attaining the rank of staff sergeant, under the orders of General McArthur. He was wounded in combat in the Philippine Islands during WWII. He was then Honorably Discharged in 1945 and awarded the Purple Heart.

On November 24th 1945, Alfonso married Manuela Rios Nava and made his home in Baytown, TX. He began working at Humble Oil and always took pride in his work ethic. He retired after 35 years as a pipefitter.

Alfonso was a member of Our Lady Guadalupe Catholic Church. Together with Baytown's Finest Church Members and Father Francisco, they built the first Our Lady of Guadalupe Church from the ground up. Alfonso loved our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and carried him in his heart. He was a member of his Bible Study Group and a faithful attendant until he fell ill. What a legacy of faithfulness he left behind. Alfonso wanted everyone to hear the Good News of Jesus Christ. He had boldness when speaking to others about Salvation. If you wanted to hear the Gospel truth, he would tell you and if you didn't want to listen, he would still tell you! He often spoke of how beautiful life would be if everyone knew Jesus Christ. He was a faithful servant, role model, an eloquent speaker when reciting poems in Spanish, and a good friend to many. Bible Study will never be the same without Mr. Nava.

He was also a member of the VFW and a Scoutmaster for the Boy Scouts of America, where he organized a Drum and Bugle Corps. His love for music was endless. There wasn't an instrument he didn't try to play. On occasion he would put his memories of the war in drawings and would tell his story of the war to his grandchildren, great grandchildren and to students.

Alfonso is predeceased by his parents, Felipe Nava and Patrocina R. Nava; brother, Joel Valdivia Nava; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Rafael and Mary Rios, Sr. and Ambrosio & Genoveva Rios, Sr.; and his horse from the Army, Valentine. Alfonso is survived by his wife of 69 years, Manuela Rios Nava; sister, Ines Driver of Baytown; daughter, Guadalupe Rincon and husband Arthur of Baytown; son, Alfonso Nava, Jr. & wife Julie of San Marino, CA; son, Francisco (Frank) Nava of Baytown; son, Richardo (Richie) Nava of Baytown; daughter, Elizabeth (Liz) Nava of Houston; daughter, Veronica Garcia & husband Hector of Weslaco; and daughter, Denise Martinez and husband Joe of Baytown; grandchildren, Patricia Holubec and husband Keith of League City, Dorothy Young and husband Burney of Baytown, Art Rincon, Jr. and wife Nicole of Baytown, Robert Nava of Baytown, Melanie Morrison and husband Tim of China, Richard Lozano-Nava and wife Charlene of La Marque, Jessica Hopkins and husband Martin of Plymouth, England, Roel (Roy) Romo Jr. of Kemah, Diego Garcia of Weslaco, Brian Garcia of Weslaco, Alex Nava of South Carolina, Brianna Nava of South Carolina, Misty Barham of Houston, Cristian Garcia of Weslaco, Salina Gonzales of Baytown, Krystelle Martinez of Baytown, Erick Gonzales of Baytown, and Clarissa Martinez of Baytown; great grandchildren, Blaine Tate of Baytown, Zach Young of Baytown, Matthew Infante of China, Madeline Morrison of China, Ty Young of Baytown, Zoea Holubec of League City, Luke Holubec of League City, Caleb Rincon of Baytown, Michael Nava of South Carolina, Carly Nava of South Carolina, Andrew Rincon of Baytown, Jayden Garcia of Baytown, and Treysen Hamilton of Baytown; great great grandson, Angel Tate of Baytown; and many nieces and nephews.

His family will receive friends at Navarre Funeral Home Wednesday, February 4, 2015, beginning at 5:00 p.m. with a rosary to follow at 7:00 p.m. A funeral mass will be Thursday, February 5, 2015, at 12 Noon at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, 1124 Beech St., Baytown, TX 7752, with Deacons Rudy Venegas, George Rincon, and Fernando Gonzales officiating. Burial with military honors will follow at Memory Gardens Cemetery.

Serving as pallbearers will be Robert Nava, Art Rincon, Roy Romo, Erick Gonzalez, Diego Garcia, Richie Lozano, Blaine Tate, and Brian Garcia. Honorary pallbearers will be Sherman Coker, Matthew Infante, Cristian Garcia, Ty Young, Luke Holubec, and Alex Nava.

The Family would like to thank all for the love and support you have given us through this difficult time. Extended thanks to Honor Flight Houston who made a dream of a lifetime come true for our Hero.

As grandpa use to tell us and now it's our turn….See ya at the poles grandpa!

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.

2 Timothy 4:7

Well done, you good and faithful servant!

Matthew 25:21

To view the online obituary or to post a tribute for the family, go to www.navarrefuneralhome.com

Arrangements are under the direction and personal care of Navarre Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 2444 Rollingbrook Dr., Baytown, TX, 77521 (281) 422-8111.