Fernando, the second oldest of eight children, was born in El Porvenir, Chihuahua, Mexico on January 20, 1938 to Cayetano and Juana Guerra. His parents were Arizona natives who elected for Fernando to be born in Mexico. Fernando’s parents returned to the United States when he was a young child and he lived just about all his life in El Paso, Texas. He completed six years of formal education. As an adult, he dedicated himself to working in construction as a carpenter for some notable commercial builders and Fernando’s legacy centers around his construction and carpentry skills.
He was affectionately known as “Nando”, Fernie, Dad, and Grandpa and known to his family for his grilling skills and enjoying an adult beverage with anyone willing to accompany him. He was very proud of having “built” the Cielo Vista Mall and the El Paso Convention Center and often shared some of his experiences in those projects. One of his favorite expressions was “Yo soy de El Paso pero si supiera hablar ingles, El Paso seria mio”.
Fernando married Rita Guerra, nee Ochoa, in El Paso, Texas in 1958 and they were together for 44 years until his wife, Rita, passed away in 2002. They gave birth to five children: Rita, Fernando Jr., Gabriel, Ron, and Yabell.
Fernando is survived by three children, 12 grandchildren, 9 great grandchildren, and 2 sisters. His children are; Rita Bustamante and her husband, Eliverto Jr., Gabriel and his wife, Erica, and Ron and his wife, Christy. His grandchildren are: Erin Bishop, Mark Bustamante, Matthew Bustamante, Brandy Delgadillo, Joshua Delgadillo, Jonah Delgadillo, Aaron Guerra, Uriah Guerra, Elijah Guerra, Zoi Guerra, Hope Guerra, and Nathan Gonzalez. His 9 great grandchildren are: Aaron Guerra Jr., Zane Guerra, Nova Guerra, Aiden Fabela, Aria Fabela, Hailey Delgadillo, Derrick Delgadillo, Iverson Delgadillo, and Xander Delgadillo. His 2 sisters are: Maria Elena Diaz and Lydia Castro.
Fernando was preceded in death by his parents, Cayetano and Juana Guerra, his brothers, Manuel (Chato), Roberto, Arturo (Tury), Armando (Mando), and his sister, Angela (Gelo), his children, Fernando Jr. (Fernie or Jr.) and Yabell (Beanie).
The family wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the dedicated staff of Rayito De Luz foster home, particularly Sara Camacho and Julio and also to the staff of the Remarkable Hospice of El Paso, especially his attending nurse, Alan. The exceptional care, compassion, and tireless support provided to Fernando and our family during his stay at Rayito and this difficult time will never be forgotten.
Visitation will be Wednesday, June 3, 2026 from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. with a rosary at 6:30 p.m. at Funeraria Del Angel Central, 3839 Montana Ave., El Paso, Texas 79903. Funeral mass will be June 4, 2026 at 12:30 p.m. at Our Lady of the Light Catholic Church, 4700 Delta Drive, El Paso, Texas 79905 with committal to follow at Restlawn Memorial Park Cemetery, 4848 Alps, El Paso, Texas 79904.
