OBIT-Silvestre Asebedo
MISSION—Silvestre Asebedo, 84, went to join his Heavenly Father on Sunday, July 13, 2014. He was surrounded by his wife, children, and family. He leaves behind not only numerous family members, all of whom remember him as an extraordinary man who loved his Savior and relished every opportunity to be of service to his community and his country.
Silvestre was the youngest son of three and five sisters. He is preceded in death by his parents, Roman and Maria Acevedo, and his brothers and sisters, Felipe Acevedo, Roman Acevedo, Jr., Maria A. Naranjo, Amada A. Gonzalez, Espitacion (Pira) A. Cantu, and Refugia Acevedo. He has one surviving sister Evangelina (Vangie) A. Kujawski of Freer, Texas.
He is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Rebecca Quintanilla Asebedo of Mission, Texas; three daughters, Norma Lee (Ralph) Garza, Nora Lisa (Javier) Cerda, Neva Lou (Jesse) Jimenez, and a son Silvestre (Silver) Asebedo, Jr; 10 grandchildren, who loved him and spent much of their time creating and making memories that will undoubtedly last a lifetime. “Papo,” as he was lovingly called, his grandchildren were his whole world, they are Dan (Michelle) Elizondo, Desiree (Brian) Cerda Parker, DeAndra (Kyle) Cerda Ransom, all of San Antonio, Joshua (Lyann) Jimenez, Gabriel Garza, Nikko Garza, John Wayne Cerda, Jacob Jimenez, JeNeva Jimenez, Julianna Asebedo of Edinburg; and one great-granddaughter, Kaylee Danielle Elizondo.
During patriotic celebrations, he would always make time to attend as an honored Veteran at the Mission schools’ programs. He felt the need to show them the importance of instilling love for their God and country. He wanted them to be proud of their country and pass on the legacy to others as well.
Silvestre served in the Army’s Second (Indian Head) Division from 1949-1953. He fought in the Korean War in 1950 in the 82nd Anti-Aircraft Battalion where he drove a half track. He survived the Kunai Ri conflict and was MIA in the mountains of Korea for 16 days. It was not until February, 2007, that Mr. Asebedo received the Bronze Star Medal with V-Device (valor).
After returning from Korea, he and his wife continued their journey. Together they tackled the problems associated with their vision of community progress and service.
Silvestre began by getting involved in their children’s school activities where he served in various leadership roles for the Mission Eagle Band Boosters in the late ‘60s through 1980 and was instrumental in starting the first PTA at the old Castro Elementary School in the ‘60s. He also coached Little League baseball teams for the Mission Parks and Rec.
He continued by serving as president of the Mission Housing Authority for many years. Along with that, he served in the Lions and the Mission Eagle Touchdown Clubs. He was recently honored as the #1 Mission Eagle fan.
Mr. Asebedo also served as sponsor and spiritual leader to the Methodist Youth Fellowship at El Mesias United Methodist Church.
Mr. Asebedo served his church El Mesias Methodist and when it was rebuilt. He and another friend transported the granite floor that is laid at the church.
Mr. Asebedo along with his wife, Rebecca, owned Alta Vista Grocery Store, Fil-A-Bag Drive In and Eagle’s Nest Day Care.
Finally, because of his unconditional devotion to serving his Savior, he became the pastor at El Paraiso Methodist Mission Church in Alton, Texas for 17 years. He was recognized, along with his wife, as “Good Samaritans” for the City of Mission. Mr. Asebedo was also recognized by the Methodist Bishop for his work at El Paraiso.
Visitation will be held from 5 to 9 p.m. with a 7 p.m. prayer service on Wednesday, July 15, 2014, at El Mesias United Methodist Church, 601 Doherty, Mission, Texas. The funeral service will take place at 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday, July 16, 2014, at El Mesias United Methodist Church in Mission. Interment will follow at Rio Grande Valley State Veterans Cemetery in Mission. Funeral services under the direction of Ric Brown Family Funeral Home in Mission.
Pallbearers for Silvestre are his six grandsons, Dan Elizondo, Gabriel and Nikko Garza, Joshua and Jacob Jimenez and John Wayne Cerda. Honorary pallbearers are his only son, Silvestre (Silver) Asebedo, Jr., Sabas Sandoval, Jr., Robert Salinas and Sabas (Savitas) Sandoval, III.
Special thanks to the Rio Grande Regional Hospital’s ICU nurses and staff, Lifecare Hospital staff and all its doctors.