Alfonso Ibanez

McAllen - In the early morning hours of July 21, 2016 God called his son Alfonso "Al" Ibanez to join him in heaven. Alfonso was 72. A valley native Al was born in Alamo to Raul and Cresencia Ibanez. Proceeded in death by his parents, brothers Raul Jr., Jose Armando, and grandson Dominique. He was a graduate from McAllen High School. Al served as 1st Lieutenant in the Vietnam War where he received a Vietnam Service Medal of Honor with 4 Bronze Service Stars and Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal. Al always knew he wanted to help people and made this dream a reality by attending the University of Texas where he completed his undergraduate degree. His goal to become an attorney began at the University of Notre Dame and continued at Oklahoma City University, where he received his Doctorate in Jurisprudence. Alfonso was always wanting to help others as he would go to the migrant camps and advise workers of their legal rights while attending law school at Notre Dame. He was so dedicated to earning his degree he passed his Bar Exam before he graduated Law school. Al brought his family back to the McAllen in the 70's and dedicated his life to helping the people of the Valley. In addition to practicing law for over 30 years he severed as a member of the McAllen School Board for 9 years with one of those being President. He was instrumental in advocating and having schools named after local Hispanic leaders in McAllen. He also served as the Edinburg School Board Attorney. He was a member of the Lion's Club and a Boy Scout Troup Leader, one of his former Scout included Astronaut Mike Fossum. He was a member of the American Bar Association and served on several local boards in the community.
Al's favorite pastime was spending time on the water; he loved fishing and relaxing on his boat. His joy to explore new places lead him to learn to fly and he became a pilot, he enjoyed flying his personal plane. He also enjoyed traveling, snow skiing, watching the Dallas Cowboys, and the World Cup. In his recent years he began to travel a lot more and enjoyed taking cruises with his family to see as much of the world as he could. He was a dedicated son, husband, father, and grandfather. He was best remembered by his wit and knowledge of anything you could imagine. He enjoyed the History channel and old movies. He was well loved and always looked forward to family time. In December he would have celebrated his 50th anniversary with his wife Gloria.
Alfonso is survived by his sister Hortencia Garcia (Hector), Wife Gloria Ibanez; Children Steven Ibanez; Christina Idar (Carlos); Melisa Morales (Francisco); Jaime Ibanez; Maria Huerta (Mother-in-law); 11 Grandchildren, 1 Great-Grandchild and numerous nieces and nephews and cousins.
Al spent his last 2 ½ years of his life battling Cancer. The family would like to greatly thank the many Doctors and Staff who provided exceptional care: Dr. Monzer Yazji, Dr Billy Mereck and staff from the South Texas Oncology Center, The VA Clinic, and Dr. Jenifer Wang, Dr. Chistopher Wood and staff from University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston.
Visitation will be held from 2 pm to 9 pm Sunday July 24, 2016 with a rosary being recited at 7:00 pm at Rivera Funeral Home of McAllen. Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 am Monday, July 25, 2016 at Our Lady of Perpetual Help in McAllen. The burial will be August 1, 2016 at 10:30 am, Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery in San Antonio, TX. In lieu of flowers the family ask for donations to be made to The American Cancer Society, MD Anderson or The American Heart Association in his name.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Rivera Funeral Home of McAllen. www.riverafuneralhomes.net

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