Isabel Chavelo Barron Cermeno

Chavelo Cermeno died peacefully at home on January 19, 2008, where he was being cared for by his loving family. He was born on November 19, 1922 to Marcelina and Victor Cermeno, and was a lifelong Austin resident and parishioner at Guadalupe Catholic Church. He was a tile setter and valued hard work and taught his family the value of it also. During World War II he proudly served his country; he was a true American hero. He was President of the local Lions Club during the early 70's and added the Vietnam Veteran's Memorial marker on E. Cesar Chavez during his tenure. While serving in the Lion's Club, he led numerous food drives and good deeds in the East Austin area. In 1977, Chavelo married Theresa Olivarez and together, they took a special interest in the lives of their grandchildren and worked endlessly to supply their needs. He was a lifelong baseball and UT football fan. As a boy, he jumped the fence at Memorial stadium to see the Longhorns play. When he was diagnosed with cancer, he scheduled his chemotherapy to coincide with the games so that he could be distracted from his treatment. At the tender age of 74, he became a single father to his three-year-old, great-granddaughter, Destiny Benavidez. His last years were spent at PTA meetings, pediatrician visits and caring for his daughter. He volunteered at Pleasant Hill Elementary, where Destiny attended and met many special friends there. Grandpa always showed us his courage, dignity, discipline and humor, but never more than when he victoriously battled cancer. He will be truly missed. He is survived by his daughters Destiny Benavidez, Loretta Baldridge, Ophelia Ramos, JoAnn Olivarez, Nancy Balandran; sisters, Eladia Casarez, Pat Eschbach and husband Kenneth; granddaughters and caretakers Christie Blake, Kim Baldridge, Jennifer Bogar and Macy Ramirez; numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, and special friends Jimmy Doluisio and Clair LaVaye. He is predeceased by his parents, wife Theresa Olivarez Cermeno; Brothers Manuel, Jesse and Antonio Cermeno and Sister, Margaret. The Funeral will be held on Tuesday, January 22, 2008 at 10:00 AM at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, 1206 E. 9th St. Burial will follow at Assumption Cemetery. Pallbearers will be John Bogar, Joe Casarez, Darell Coronado, Jimmy Doluisio, Coy Gentry and Ray Hernandez; Honorary Pallbearers will be Stephen Baldridge, Freddy Fernandez, Sam Hernandez, Ken Nates and Mark Martinez, Jr.