PROGRESO LAKES, TX. - Arturo Carlos "A.C." Cuellar, Sr.

Born December 5, 1925 and died June 18, 2008 at the age of 82. He leaves his wife, Janie Cuellar and children, Erasmo (Sulema), Sylvia (Miguel), Arturo Jr. (Yolanda), Tommy, Annette, (Albert), Luana (Victor), Janie (J.D., III), Angie (Tony), Aida, Carlos and Arturo "Pito" Alejandro as well as 30 grandchildren and one on the way and 22 great grandchildren.

A.C., as he was known to most, was a hardworking man and a dedicated friend. He attended Weslaco High School, but did not graduate because he enlisted early in the U.S. Navy during World War II. When he returned he married Juanita Lozano from Donna, Texas and together they had eight children. A.C. worked for J.S. McManus for more than 30 years as a fieldman and produce buyer.
He was well liked and respected by his co-workers and the field laborers alike.

At age 50 he began a new business, A.C. Cuellar Ready Mix and Concrete, where he involved his sons and trained them in construction. A.C. went on to marry San Juana Casanova, adopted her child from a previous marriage and together they had two more children.

Besides being a hardworking man, he was also a caring neighbor in the biblical sense. A.C. was know for his willingness to help others get on their feet and find jobs or start their own businesses. "Don" Arturo was a title he earned out of respect from the many Spanish-speakers whom he helped. Over the course if his life, he helped thousands of people and taught his children to serve others by his example.

A.C. was also an active participant in the political process, acting as an elected official and as a supporter of those he believed in.

A.C. served his community as an Alderman for Progreso Lakes, Texas. In addition, A.C. vigorously supported both his brothers and their pursuits for elected positions in the community. His older brother, Dr. Armando Cuellar, became Mayor of Weslaco, while, his younger brother, Renato Cuellar, was elected State Representative for the State of Texas. A.C had a tremendous passion for politics and with that passion he was able to help others make significant changes in their community.

Among other talents, A.C. was well known for his singing. He will probably lead a choir in Heaven as he did with his children, and nieces and nephews every Christmas when they were younger. He even played a little keyboard. A. C. was also a fantastic dancer and was always the life of the party at any occasion whether he was the host or the guest.

His friends and family members will also remember him as a great storyteller. The stories he told about his uncles, his travels, and his experiences were told not only to entertain but also to teach. Hopefully one of his children will write his story, which, without a doubt, will take several volumes. What a Dad, what a friend, what a guy! We' ll miss you A.C.

A funeral Mass will be celebrate today, Friday, June 20, 2008 at 10:00 a.m. at San Martin de Porres Catholic Church in Weslaco.

Interment will follow at Highland Memorial Park in Weslaco.

Military graveside rites will be conducted by V.F.W. Post # 7473 of Elsa and America' Last Patrol #3 of the Rio Grande Valley.

Serving as pallbearers will be A. C. Cuellar III, James Michael Cuellar, Robert Ray Nieto, Efrain Muniz, Christopher Cuellar and Andy Padilla. Serving as honorary pallbearer will be Aaron Lopez and junior pallbearer will be Justin Ross Cuellar.

Arrangements are under the direction of McCaleb Funeral Home.

Sign the guestbook at www.valleystar.com.