Fernando Guevara

Fernando Guevara, beloved husband, father, grandfather and brother passed away peacefully at the age of 100 on August 28, 2024, in his family home in Oakland, California. The first-born son of Eulalia Guevara, he was born in El Paso, Texas in 1924 and raised by his mother and stepfather, Joaquin Bejarano, until their deaths when he was a young boy.

After graduating from Bowie High School, Class of 1942, Fernie joined the U.S. Army in January 1943. He served in the 15th Infantry, 3rd Division during World War II overseas in Northern Africa and Europe. In Italy, he was wounded in action and received the Purple Heart. He returned to William Beaumont Hospital in El Paso, TX to recuperate.

After his Honorable Discharge from the Army, he met and married his wife, Aurora. They raised their three children in El Paso, and enjoyed camping and fishing in New Mexico, and car trips to visit family in California. Fernie and Aurora also loved dancing, and often went to hear live bands around El Paso, even dressing up for Halloween dances.

Fernando worked as a bookkeeper in El Paso for many years, and at the age of 45 he began working for the U.S. Post Office as a Postal Clerk. He retired from the U.S. Post Office and enjoyed playing pool with his brothers at various senior centers in El Paso. Fernie and Aurora continued their enjoyment of traveling throughout the Southwest in their trusty van, often taking friends and family along for the ride to go fishing, camping, or visiting churches.

When he was in his early 80s, Fernando and Aurora moved to Alameda, California, to be closer to their children and grandson. In Alameda, he continued playing pool and enjoyed spending hours at weekly bingo games. Though he battled with dementia and gravity in his advanced years, Fernie still meticulously combed his hair and mustache every morning and evening, read his ever-present newspaper, exercised, and asked for another bowl of ice cream even if he had just eaten some 30 minutes prior.

Aurora and Fernie were married for nearly 74 years until her death in June 2024, just three months before Fernie’s passing. Fernie passed four days shy of their 74th wedding anniversary, making sure he joined Aurora in heaven for their anniversary. He will remain by her side when they are jointly buried at Fort Bliss National Cemetery.

Fernando is survived by his children, Victoria & Doyle Morris, Catalina "Katy" & Stevan Alvarado, Ruben Guevara & Barbara Lemus; and his beloved grandson, Javier Alvarado & Topher Smart. He is also survived by one brother, Eduardo "Lalo" Bejarano, and many nieces, nephews and cousins from the Bejarano, Guevara and Elias families. He is preceded in death by his wife and parents; sister Catalina; and brothers Joaquin, Antonio, and Jose "Pepe".

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider making a donation to your favorite charity.

Services as Follows on Sept. 13, 2024

11:30 a.m. Funeral Mass at St. Raphael Catholic Church,

2301 Zanzibar Rd., El Paso, Texas.

1:00 p.m. Graveside Service at Fort Bliss National Cemetery,

5200 Fred Wilson Ave., El Paso.

Lunch reception for family and friends immediately after Fort Bliss services, at

Starlight Event Center (City View Gallery Room),

6650 Continental Drive, El Paso, Texas.