Frank Lara, Sr.

Frank Espino Lara, Sr., 82, of Lubbock, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Saturday, July 2, 2022.  Mr. Lara was born on July 21, 1939, in Hearne, Robertson County, Texas, to the late Jesse Lara, Sr. and Juanita (Espino) Lara.

He met Lydia Montelongo, the love of his life, and they were married on August 22, 1954, in Franklin, Texas.  Lydia preceded him in death on November 1, 2020, after 65 years of marriage.

Frank was a Warehouse Supervisor for the Potato Specialty Company in Lubbock for over 50 years, before retiring.  He loved to gamble, play cards and dominos.  Frank was well known as the “Mighty Mighty Aggie from the Brazos” and was a great man with the biggest heart of all.  He was a loyal husband, loving father, grandfather to his family and was the best provider to his family.  He was a God-fearing and caring man and was a member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church.

Those left to cherish and honor his memory include two sons, Frank Lara, Jr. of Lubbock and Victor M. Lara of San Antonio; five daughters, Connie Leal of Lubbock, Lucille L. Whitfield of Lubbock, Diane Lara of Odessa, Sandra L. Sauceda of Lubbock and Grace L. Garcia of Lubbock; four sisters, Eva Ruiz and Janie Gomez, both of Hearne, Virginia Alamanza of Lubbock and Kathy Sanez of Bryan; 18 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren and 14 great-great-grandchildren.  Frank was preceded in death by his parents and wife.  He was also preceded in death by four brothers, Herman Lara, Jesse Lara, Raymond Lara and Adam Lara; four sisters, Josephine Ruiz, Felis Cancino, Patsy Navarro and Mary Lara.

A time of reflection and visitation for Mr. Lara will be from 5 PM to 8 PM on Wednesday, July 6, 2022, at the Venue on Broadway, with recitation of the rosary at 6 PM.  Mass will be celebrated at 10 AM on Thursday, July 7, 2022, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, 1603 Cherry Avenue in Lubbock.  The Reverend Dr. Joseph Thanavelil will be the Celebrant.  Final rites and interment will follow in the City of Lubbock Cemetery under the personal care and direction of Combest Family Funeral Homes.

Pallbearers will be John G. Lara, Gregory C. Whitfield, Jr., Derrick D. Whitfield, Michael J. Leal, Eloy L. Sauceda, Amos L. Sauceda, Espn Garcia and Adam E. Lara.