Frank G. Lara

Frank is preceded in death by his parents Frank & Carmen Lara, father-in-Law Arnaldo Del Val, and his grandson Christopher Michael Benson. He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Bertha A. Lara; his children Aide Benson (Michael), of Austin, Texas, Frank Lara (Brandy) of Dover, Tennessee, and Irene Defesche (Fred) of San Diego, California; his grandchildren, Stephanie Lara, Lauren Defesche, Joshua Defesche, Mark Benson, Frankie Lara IV, Jacob Lara, Matthew Benson, Emily Lara and his Great Grandson, Leo Sebastian. Last, but not least, his beloved dog, Milo.

Frank was born on January 8, 1950 in Juarez, Chihuahua, Mexico, grew up in El Paso, Texas and in 1994, relocated his family to Austin, Texas.

Frank was a hardworking provider who loved his children and adored his grandchildren. He made sure that he gave his kids so many experiences including camping in Ruidoso, dirt biking in the sand dunes of El Paso, long road trips all over the country and fun family vacations. One of his favorite hobbies was creating beautiful wood projects with his father-in-law, Arnaldo. Frank was the type of grandfather that loved to play outdoor sports with his grandkids, from basketball, baseball and swimming, making up fun games and constantly changing rules to keep things interesting. He particularly enjoyed cheering his grandkids on the sidelines at sporting events including soccer and lacrosse. Watching Stephanie on the soccer field was such a joy for him- even as she was frequently “yellow carded” for being too rough!

Frank enjoyed his retirement years traveling in his RV with his wife, gardening, listening to all types of music and especially dancing. Dementia may have robbed him of so much, but his loving spirit was evident, even on his last days. His love for Bertha was beyond measure and those two were inseparable. He will be greatly missed and fondly remembered.

The Dance by Garth Brooks

Looking back on the memory of

The dance we shared beneath the stars above

For a moment all the world was right

How could I have known you'd ever say goodbye And now I'm glad I didn't know

The way it all would end the way it all would go Our lives are better left to chance

I could have missed the pain

But I'd have to miss the dance

Holding you I held everything

For a moment wasn't I the king

But if I'd only known how the king would fall

Hey who's to say you know

I might have changed it all

And now I'm glad I didn't know

The way it all…

The funeral for Frank’s celebration of life will be held at St. Paul’s Catholic Church, 7424 Mimosa Ave., El Paso, Texas on a future date yet to be determined. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Frank's life. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in Frank’s memory to Alzheimer’s Association or Charity of your choice.