Adalberto "Al" Franco

Al is survived by his daughter Evangelina “Angie” Franco Applegate. His companion and caregiver of 57 years, Minerva Ampavan Franco.

He will be reunited with his deceased parents Mr. and Mrs. Manuel Franco of Presidio, Texas and a brother Armando Franco. He leaves behind 3 living brothers Abe, Rede (Lupita), Rene (Jesusita) and 3 sisters; Delfina Anderson, Carmelina Holloway and Yvonne (John). He will be missed by his two canine pets Winston and Borreguita that never left his side. He will also be missed by his “coffee buddies” at Jaime’s and McDonald’s.

Al was born in Marfa, Texas, was considered to be one of the greatest athletes ever to be developed at Marfa High School. He was all District, all Regional and all State during his high school years. He entered College of Mines and had the opportunity to play against such players as Bob Kurlan and Clyde Lovellete from AAU Phillips 66 Oiler’s, Morris Udell-Arizona U; Cloyce and Buyce Box-West Texas State.

He was drafted to the Army serving serving with the 29th Regimental Combat Team as an infantry man during the Korean Conflict. He was selected to be in the Honor Guard detachment for the Far East Command Headquarters in Tokyo, Japan. He continued to play football and basketball for camp Roberts California post teams. Upon his return he attained his master’s degree and taught school and was P.E. Teacher and Coach at Morehead School.

In 1955 he was selected Head Basketball Coach and Teacher at Bowie High School. He quickly became known for his sports minded ability and fairness toward his peers and the students entrusted to him. He assisted in the development of the great Nolan Richardson, a great athlete and one of the best basketball coaches in the country himself.

Al was selected Coach of the year by the Herald-Post Newspaper of that time for winning the city championship in District 1-AAAA Basketball. Al did a tremendous job with the Bowie Bears in molding his team to work together and perform well under pressure.

Al continued to encounter success in his career as a teacher with the Los Angeles City Schools and attending UCLA working on post graduate studies. Upon his return to El Paso, Al worked as state Liaison for the Department of MHMR serving sixteen far west counties. He worked as executive Director and Hospital Administrator at Newark Maternity and Houchen Community Center.

He did not forget his roots or his talent for teaching and returned to teaching in 1980 at Coronado High School. He remained there teaching youngsters with emotional and behavioral problems until his retirement. Al was also an accomplished artist who loved to paint.

Visitation was held on November 25, 2014 at Martin Funeral Home West. Funeral Mass will be held on Wednesday, November 26, 2014 at 12 noon at St. Matthews Catholic Church. Interment will follow at Fort Bliss National Cemetery. Services entrusted to Martin Funeral Home West, 128 N. Resler Dr., El Paso, Texas 79912. www.MartinFuneralHomeWest.com.