Avelino Barrera Jasso

Born November 10, 1931, Runge, Texas to Camilo Jasso and Luisa Barrera Jasso. Deceased Siblings Jose B. Jasso (Hilda), Tomas Jasso (Alicia), Reynaldo Jasso (Tiva). Surviving Sibling-Olga Jasso Garcia (Julian) of Willis, TX.

He is survived by his children: Reymundo X. Jasso (Linda) of Austin, TX, Avelino Jasso Jr (Selma)of Zapata, TX, Annette Jasso Robinson (David) of Seattle, WA, and Annabel Jasso Gonzalez (Richard) of Houston, TX.

He is also survived by his grandchildren: Leighanne Jasso, Monica E. Jasso, Jason X. Jasso (Peyton), Jacob A. Jasso, Jenna E. Jasso, JessicaA. Jasso, Jeric A. Jasso, Jeana A. Jasso, Ashlee R. Jaimez, Michelle L. Jaimez, Angelina M. Rivas, Joshua L. Gonzalez, Noelia N. Nunez, Katherine C. Gonzalez, and Colten R. Gonzalez. As well as his great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

As a young child growing up in Runge, Karnes County, TX he spent much of his time with his Step-Grandfather who he loved dearly. Avelino’s foundation for a strong work ethic was instilled during his formative years. He fondly recollected skills he learned from his Step-grandfather such as farming, handling horses/team of mules and beekeeping. He knew at a young age his ambition was to rise above his circumstances and continuously improve in life and himself.

Avelino eventually moved to Alice, TX with his family. He completed the 8th grade and then went to work. He later worked to earn his GED. Jasso enrolled in college and completed an associate’s degree in St. Cloud, Minnesota. After his retirement he became certified as a Home Inspector. He was proud to recall that he lived his life cautiously and consciously.

At the age of 15, his uncle taught him how to operate a movie theater projector, and he began working in a theater. In 1952, at 20 years of age he worked in a local grocery meat market as a butcher and worked nightly for Jack Telford as a movie projectionist at the Freer drive-in theater. It was at this time he met Elisa Herrera of Oilton, TX, whom he married in Laredo, TX on December 24,1953. The couple raised their four children in Freer, TX as Jasso continued to advance his career.

In 1952, prior to his wedding, Jasso joined the National Guard, then the U.S. Army on January 4,1953. Some of his assignment included Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, Tx, Camp Carson- Colorado Springs, Co., Mohave Desert - Barstow, Ca., Camp Irwin, Ca., Fort Knox, Kentucky. He served as Lead Tank Gunner and was shortly promoted to Instructor for various types of tanks. He received an Honorable Discharge in January 1955 and subsequently completed the Veterans Technical program as a machinist and welder in 1956. He immediately secured employment with Bethlehem Steel in Beaumont, TX.

He became a master at his craft working on offshore rigs, shipyards manufacturing barges, and building tresses for suspension bridges. He took great pride in his work and in doing an A #1 job each time. He ranked in the top 13 employees out of 3000.

Jasso then moved to Freer, TX and worked with the Cowley Family at Freer Iron Works for 15 years. During his tenure here he became extremely well versed in the Oil Field industry. He then created and became successful with his own welding company. Working independently around Freer and South Texas, his reputation for excellence preceded him. In 1980 he focused his attention on building water towers. He worked with Pittsburg De Moines Steel, Inc (PDM, Inc) from 1980 to 1996. He traveled across the U.S. and internationally to weld on water towers. He shared many stories over the course of his life with experiences of his work. He took great pride in doing an excellent job whether it was in the machine shop/ Oil Field or water tower. He loved his work and getting “the job done.”

Jasso then officially retired in 1996. This allowed him time to spend doing things he loved doing. One of his greatest loves was spending time outdoors. He was able to tend to his beekeeping, caring for livestock, hunting, mentoring and teaching welding, endless home projects, traveling across the country and Europe, spending time with family. He always made himself available to anyone in need. Jasso also had a great love of books, learning and reading. He enjoyed the comedy of Red Skelton and Jack Benny. One of Jasso’s favorite pastimes was spending time with immediate and extended family at home, ranch or lake. He also enjoyed watching classic movies.

He built a Rattlesnake for the Freer Chamber of Commerce. The Rattlesnake replica was displayed at their office for years as a symbol for the Annual Rattlesnake Roundup Celebration. He also built a Ferris Wheel for the Freer High School Band Boosters. Which was used for years in their fundraisers. Jasso served as Boy Scout Master for Troop 100 in Freer, Tx for 5 years. He had a creative mind and was able to design and build any item from barbeque pits to welding an entire house frame together.

Over the course of his life, Jasso felt a strong personal responsibility to serve as a teacher/mentor to anyone he met. He stressed the importance of financial stability, saving and investing. One of his favorite quotes was “Keep your savings growing – water them regularly!” He felt strongly about responsibility for himself as well as to others and tried to be a good example to everyone. He received much satisfaction in extending a helping hand to those in need and “being a giver not a taker.”

He personally received joy from watching and knowing that his own children and grandchildren were enjoying life. The Jasso Family extends its gratitude to Friendly Faces Caregiver services and Atria Westchase staff. Caregivers assisted with compassion, dignity and professionalism.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Kidney Foundation and/or the Alzheimer /Dementia Awareness Association.

A visitation will be held on November 25, 2025, from 10:30 am to 11:00 am at the American Heritage Funeral Home, located at 10710 Veterans Memorial Drive, Houston, TX 77038.

A rosary will follow at the same location from 11:00 am to 11:30 am.

A celebration of life will occur from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm at the same venue.

The committal service will take place at the Houston National Cemetery, 10410 Veterans Memorial Dr, Houston, TX 77038, from 1:15 pm to 1:45 pm.

A reception will be held back at the American Heritage Funeral Home from 1:45 pm to 3:45 pm.

Pallbearers will include Reymundo X. Jasso, Avelino Jasso Jr., Jose JD. Jasso, Esau Jasso, Luis Garcia, and Rey Jasso.