Abran "Abraham" Valenzuela of Hondo joined the heavenly choir on Sunday, Jan. 8, 2023. He was 80.

Born March 16, 1942, in Hondo, he was the son of Alfredo and Antonia Castillo Valenzuela.

A loving husband, father, and a friend to many, Abe dedicated much of his life to music. He played with Gilbert and the Blue Notes and Mariachi Caminante. He was a dedicated member of the St. John's Spanish Choir and served as director. Abe was also a member of the Knights of Columbus, ACTS, and Curcillo.

He is preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Juan Gonzales, Jose "Kiko" Gonzales and Jesse Gonzales.

He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Esperanza "Hope" Reyes Valenzuela; sons, Mark Valenzuela (Linda) of Hondo and Victor Valenzuela (Kim) of San Antonio; daughter, Veronica Valenzuela of Hondo; grandchildren, Andrew and Hayden Hickman, Blake, Illianna and Victor Valenzuela Jr., Tyler, Kaitlynn and Vincent Gonzales and Hayden Tatum, and Alini and Anna Gonzales; and great-grandson, Dominic Gonzales.

Visitation will be 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 12, at Guinn-Horger Chapel, pausing at 7:00 for  recitation of the Rosary.

Funeral Mass will be at 10 a.m., Friday, Jan. 13, at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church. Private interment will be at a later date.