July 19, 1946 – July 17, 2019
Our dad, Agapito Castillo Franco, Jr., passed away on the morning of July 17, 2019 surrounded by his loved ones after a two-year battle against pancreatic cancer. He was born in Rocksprings on July 19, 1946 to Agapito Trevino Franco, Sr. and Casimira Castillo Franco.
Dad’s passion was driving big rigs, a passion that was passed on to his children. He learned to drive them at about the age of 14. With that, our Dad was born to be outside. He was either mowing the lawn, watering his plants or in his shop; building whatever came to mind– birdhouses, wishing wells, or floats for the 4th of July parade. His greatest creations were the playhouses built for us and his grandchildren.
Dad was well known for his willingness to offer a helping hand, to anyone, even strangers! I remember Dad telling me a story. One day on his way back from Del Rio, he stopped to help a man who was having car trouble. Dad got to talking and helped him with changing a tire. When they were ready to part, they exchanged names and came to find that they were actually long-lost relatives. It always seemed that there was a little reward for his willingness to serve.
He never failed to make a friend or start conversations; this man could talk to anyone. We would sit with him through his chemo treatments and it never failed, he was ready to run us off so he could visit with his new friends.
He is survived by his partner Sophia Falcon, the mother of his children Juanita Reyes Franco, son Franco Franco and wife, Arielle, daughters Lydia Franco Dela Rosa, Ellie Lawson and husband Keith, and Lisa Franco-Hays and wife Carol. His family with Sophia, son Chris Falcon and wife Tina, David, Conrad, and Fidencio “Apa” Falcon.
Also surviving him are grandchildren Claudia and Beth Falcon, Zoie Miller, Joseph and Moses Dela Rosa, Mia, Lily, Nathan, and Isabella Franco, Nick and Noah Hernandez, Carley and Cloey Villanueva, Christina and Sonia Falcon, and his sisters, nieces, and nephews.
Sadly, just one month ago, Dad was preceded in death by his son, Pete, on June 18. It is comforting, however, to know they are both driving the heavenly highways together.
Like our grandmother, Dad’s favorite Bible passage was the 23rd Psalm.
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou
preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.
Pallbearers include Franco R. Franco, Chris Conring, Leo Conring, Efrain Villerreal, Robert F. Pena, and Rupert F. Pena.
Viewing will be held 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday, July 18, 2019 at Nelson Funeral Chapel, Rocksprings, Texas.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, July 19, 2019 at First Baptist Church, Rocksprings. Burial will follow in the Rocksprings Cemetery, Rocksprings, Texas.
The family invites you to leave a condolence at www.nelsonfuneralhomes.net Arrangements are under the personal care of Nelson Funeral Home of Rocksprings, Texas.
