Efrain Avila-Gonzalez peacefully died on 18 May 2019 in San Antonio, TX surrounded by his wife, sons, grandson, sister and niece’s family. Efrain was born in Arecibo, Puerto Rico on 19 April 1945. He was the fourth son of Esteban Avila-Roman and Emilia Gonzalez-Jimenez. He had 10 brothers and sisters of whom Norberto, Isaac, Inez, Magdalena and Isabel are still living. He married Ludovina (Lury) Juarbe-Mendez and subsequently had two sons, Efrain & David Lemuel.
Efrain served in the US Army as a Conscientious Objector and a Combat Medic. He served his country in Vietnam in 1966-1967. For being wounded while attempting to save his Battle-Buddy, Jimmy Lee Langston, he was awarded the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star Medal for heroism. In addition, he was awarded the Combat Infantry Badge, the VIETNAM Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal and the VIETNAM Campaign Medal. In 1970 he suffered a brain aneurysm, which incapacitated him for the rest of his life. His wife Lury cared for him for the last 49 years. He lived in Maryland prior to moving to San Antonio, TX. He was a Life Long Member of the American Legion and the Military Order of the Purple Heart.
Efrain is remembered for being a caring son, a faithful husband and loving father. His trust in God never failed even through the tough times. Even in his disability he was an inspiration to his wife, sons, his siblings, his nieces and nephews and countless friends and neighbors. He is remembered and survived by his wife, Lury Avila; his son CH (MAJ) Efrain Avila, Jr (USAR) & Laura L. Avila, PhD: grandkids Mikayla, Mischa, Mia & Levi; and his second son Sr. Trooper- MSP (Ret.) David L. Avila & Autumn Avila, DWS: grandkids Leigha, Gabriel & Isaac. He will be missed by his faithful grand-dogs: Lucy, Kevin, and Princess. His remaining siblings and his numerous nieces & nephews and their children will also fondly remember “Tio Efrain.”
Efrain was proud of his Puerto Rican heritage; his nation, the United States of America; and foremost the fact that he was a child of God, blessed beyond anything that can be imagined. Visitation will be on Tuesday, 28 May 6 – 9pm at Colonial Funeral Home, Universal City, TX. Funeral services will also be held at Colonial Funeral Home on 29 May 2019 @ 12pm, led by his Pastor, Rev. Jose Luis Soto of Iglesia De Dios Pentecostal, MI – Old Seguin Rd. His son, CH Avila will preside at the graveside military honors.
