Armando (Mando) Ruiz Nava, Sr. passed away peacefully on Wednesday, February 9, 2022, with family by his side. He was 93 years old. Mando, born and raised in El Paso, developed a very strong work ethic early in his life. As a boy, Mando would sell bags of peanuts during boxing matches at Liberty Hall or shine shoes in front of a grocery store on El Paso Street. In high school, his interest in football earned him a spot on the Bowie varsity team as a freshman, while he continued to work odd jobs to earn money after school. As soon as he was able to serve his country, Mando joined the United States Army, where his work ethic earned him a promotion to the rank of Corporal and within six months, he rose to the rank of Staff Sergeant. After his tour of duty in Korea, Mando returned to El Paso where he married Eva (Chita) Martinez and together they had 3 children, Linda, Sandra, and Armando Jr. He then became a welder for the Southern Pacific Railroad, at which time, he also became a licensed Journey Neon Wireman (electrician). In 1954, Mando joined the El Paso Police Department which began his lifelong career in law enforcement. A couple of years later, Officer Nava was promoted to detective. For the next 34 years, Mando was assigned to various official duties, including the Alpha Task Unit, assigned to him by the Chief of Police and as a Special Investigator in Organized Crime assigned by the District Attorney at that time. Mando’s rigorous work ethic allowed him to work extra jobs outside of the police department which involved security at the Popular Department Store, college football games and various functions throughout the city. Mando was an asset to the department, not only because of his skills in solving cases, but as a mentor to newly assigned officers as well as veterans. In 1988, Mando retired from the El Paso Police Department only to continue his law enforcement career with the Drug Enforcement Agency. With the experience and knowledge he acquired previously, he assisted agents in various cases up until his retirement from the DEA ten years later.
Mando’s well earned retirement allowed him to enjoy numerous pleasures which included time with his family, working on his yard, and taking trips to Las Vegas and Laughlin where he would try his luck in the casinos. He will be remembered fondly by his grandchildren for Sunday morning breakfasts, meals at Cattleman’s, rib-night dinners at the City Limits, and his attendance at special events such as sports games, recitals, graduations and weddings. He will be greatly missed.
Armando is survived by his daughter Linda N. Rodriguez (Alfredo Rodriguez); his daughter Sandra N. Perez (Mario R. Perez); and his son Armando Nava Jr. (Leslie Nava); his long time companion and confidant Rose Concha; his grandson Alfredo Rodriguez Jr. (Irene Rodriguez), his granddaughter Melinda Monica Sanderson (Eric Sanderson), his grandson Rene A. Perez (Nicole Perez), his granddaughter Yvonne L. Perez (Tobby Perez), his granddaughter Natalie M. Gomes, his grandson Armando Ross Nava (Rachel Nava), his grandson Adrian M. Perez (Kathleen Perez), his granddaughter Alyssa Nava, his granddaughter Genevieve Nava, and his granddaughter Amber Nava. Armando also leaves behind 10 great grandchildren to cherish his memory.
Armando was preceded in death by his wife Eva Martinez Nava, his mother Manuela Ruiz Nava and his father Adolfo Nava Sr.; his brother Adolfo Nava Jr; his brother Ernesto Nava; his sister Elena Adauto and his sister Gloria Ponce; his granddaughter Lauren Nava.
Visitation for Armando will be held Monday, February 28, 2022 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM with eulogy at 6:00 PM at Funeraria del Angel Martin Central, 3839 Montana Avenue, El Paso, Texas 79903. Funeral mass will be on Tuesday, March 01, 2022 at 9:00 AM at Our Lady of Assumption Catholic Church, 4800 Byron, El Paso, Texas 79930. Committal to follow at Ft. Bliss National Cemetery, 5200 Fred Wilson Avenue, El Paso, Texas 79906.
Honorary Pallbearers: Rene Perez, Adrian Perez, Armando Ross Nava, Alfredo Rodriguez, Jr., Christian Rodriguez, Tobby Perez, and Eric Sanderson.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Advocacy Center For Children of El Paso, 1100 E Cliff Dr., El Paso, Texas 79902.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.FunerariaDelAngelCentral.com for the Nava family.
