Abelardo Campos Sr., a beloved husband, father, and friend, passed away peacefully on May 24, 2024, at the age of 80. Born on February 14, 1944, Abel brought joy and love into the lives of those around him throughout his many years.
Abel was a college graduate of Texas A&I University in Kingsville, where he not only continued his education but also earned a master's degree, which paved the way for his career in school administration. For thirty years, he dedicated himself to this role, impacting countless lives with his leadership and commitment to education. Outside of his professional life, Abel had a lifelong love for learning about mechanics, especially when it came to cars and tractors. Additionally, he found great joy in taking care of his ranch in Bayview. His love for sports began in his elementary years, where he played for East Brownsville (Longoria Elementary) as a running back. This passion continued throughout his life, leading him to volunteer as a basketball and soccer coach for his children, and as a dedicated member of the Brownsville Opportunity Youth Soccer Association (BOYSA) and served as the Vice President of the Rio Valley Youth Soccer Association (RVYSA).
Although his passing leaves a void that cannot be filled, his spirit will continue to guide and inspire those who loved him. Abel is survived by his wife of 39 years, Rosie Campos, who stood by his side through all of life's triumphs and challenges; his brother Raul Salinas (Julia), and his children: Abelardo Campos Jr., Annalicia Campos Velasco (Emmanuel Velasco), Abelardo Campos III (Lorinda Soto and Phoenix Abelardo Campos), Alexandra Rose Campos, and Andrea Nikkole Campos, as well as many other loving relatives.
He is also remembered for his remarkable resilience, having survived 24 years with a heart transplant. The family extends their heartfelt gratitude firstly to God, and his dedicated team of physicians, Dr. Antonio Diaz, Dr. Reynolds Delgado, Dr. Roberto Lufschanowski, and Dr. Alberto Lopez, whose exceptional care and expertise made these additional years possible.
Abel Campos Sr. will be dearly missed but never forgotten. May he rest in peace.
Memorial contributions in memory of Abelardo Campos Sr. can be made to the First Presbyterian Church in Brownsville, Texas or Sunshine Haven in Olmito, Texas.
A visitation for Abelardo will be held Wednesday, May 29, 2024 from 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM with a Prayer Service at 6 pm in Chapel of Angels, at Funeraria del Angel Buena Vista & Buena Vista Burial Park, 125 Mcdavitt Blvd, Brownsville, Texas 78521. A funeral service will occur Thursday, May 30, 2024 at 10:00 AM at First Presbyterian Church, 435 Palm Blvd, Brownsville, TX 78520. A burial will occur Thursday, May 30, 2024 at 11:00 AM at Buena Vista Burial Park, 5 Mcdavitt Blvd, Brownsville, Texas 78521.
Serving as Honorary Pallbearers are: Raul Salinas Jr., Abelardo Campos III, Phoenix Abelardo Campos, Arval Headrick and Michael Sheldon, Jr., Serving as Pallbearers are: Abelardo Campos Jr., Roberto A. Salinas, Juan Jose Salinas, Johnnie Loredo, Arnoldo Cantu, Jonathan Guzman, Christopher D’Antonio, Jesus Medina and Joseph Rodriguez.
