Ismael T. Armendariz

Ismael is survived by his wife, Aida Madrid Armendariz of Chaparral, New Mexico; son, Erik Armendariz Sr.(Jessica) of El Paso, Texas; daughters: Barbara A. Villaloboz (Anthony) of Odessa, Texas, Priscella A. Fieri (Joseph) of Dayton, Texas, and Emily Nieto (Andres) of El Paso, Texas; 18 grandchildren, several great and great great grandchildren; as well as, numerous nieces and nephews.

He is survived by his brothers: Alfredo Armendariz (Manuela) of Odessa, Texas. Juan Armendariz (Judy) of Fulsom, California. Efren Armendariz (Lupita)of Odessa, Texas, and Armando Armendariz (Rosa) of Bushland, Texas, Sisters: Elia Jay of Pecos, Texas, and Susie Guerra of Aledo, Texas.

Ismael served in the United State Army during the Korean War from April 1948 to February 1951. While in the service, Ismael was awarded the Army of Occupation Medal (Japan) for serving 30 or more consecutive days of duty in one of the occupied territories after World War II, and the Combat Infantry Badge for assignment to an infantry unit who actively engaged in ground combat. Ismael received his honorable discharge on February 1951. He was proud to have served this country and continued serving as a volunteer for the Disabled American Veterans DAV organization in El Paso, advocating for better programs, benefits, health care and transition services for disabled vets.

After his discharge from the military, he made his home in Pecos, Texas. Ismael worked for Pearl Beer Distributorship, and eventually acquired his own company Jax/ Miller Beer Distributorship. In 1980, he relocated to El Paso,Texas and later to Chaparral, where he lived until his passing. He was a member of St. Thomas Moro Catholic Church in Chaparral, New Mexico.

Besides spending time with his canine companions Nancy and Chance, Ismael enjoyed watching old westerns, fishing, boating, boxing, planting, raising live stock, and riding his horses; among them, Pay Day, Smoky, and Lucero. He was an avid hunter, and looked forward to each deer season. His face lit up and his voice strengthened as he recalled many of his “hunting” stories. He was well versed in homeopathic medicine, and was quick to size up a person and offer natural medicinal alternatives. Not a person, nurse, or doctor would escape his keen eye; it was his “duty” to alert them of the consequences of an unhealthy lifestyle and offer a sound consultation. In his words, “we spend our youth working long hours and damaging our bodies in order to make money, then spend all that money to repair the damage in our old age.” His visits to the VA were his social outing; spending hours before his appointment preparing various dishes: burritos de chile colorado, carne seca, and chili dogs to gift his transportation buddy, doctors, and nurses. There he spent the majority of the day visiting his fellow comrades. Upon his return, he couldn’t remember what the doctor’s diagnosis was, he didn’t need it or the medication prescribed “too many side effects.” He was adamant that exercise and his daily dose of fresh garlic would cure all his ailments.

He is preceded in death by his parents, sons: Herbey, Alvaro, and Ismael Armendariz Jr. His brothers: Herman, Rodolfo and Alfonso Armendariz, and sister, Fidela Sanchez.

The family is sincerely grateful to Ismael’s longtime primary doctor and friend, Dr. Quirate, Nurse Lillie, and Special Nurse Jose de Cristo for allowing us to share a special moment with dad, sing grandpa’s favorite song, and encourage him with prayer before he passed. May the angels lead you into paradise and guide you into your eternal home.

In Lieu of flowers, donations may be made to your favorite veterans charity.

Because of the Covid 19 pandemic, the family has planned a social distanced memorial service. Masks will be required inside the funeral home. Graveside services will be held at Fort Bliss under their restricted guidelines and limited attendance.