Francisco Longoria Alvarez, of Hondo, entered rest on Wednesday, September 17, 2003 at the age of 70 years, seven days, nine months. He was born to parents Antonio & Isabel (Longoria) Alvarez, Sr. on December 3, 1932 in Utopia. "Frank" as he was known to his family and friends was raised in Utopia. The family later moved to and made Hondo their home. In December, 1953, Frank enlisted in the Army and served his country well as a paratrooper with the 101st Airborne Division. During the Korean War he served with the 11th Airborne Division. Following his military service, Francisco returned to Hondo and married his sweetheart, Santos Ybarra, on October 21, 1956. They were blessed with 46 years together. From this union came four children; Ida, Jerry, Frankie and Diana. He was self -employed and president of Alvarez Construction Company, Inc. He ran the family business up until the time of his death. He was a proud member of the Alamo Silver Wings Airborne Association, who honored him at a banquet for his outstanding support of these elite units goals. He was always willing to lend a helping hand. He is preceded in death by his parents, and brother Antonio Alvarez, Jr. He is survived by his wife Santos (Ybarra) Alvarez, daughters: Ida Alvarez Arcos and husband Simon, Diana Y. Alvarez; sons: Jerry Y. Alvarez, and Frankie Y. Alvarez, grandsons Anthony Jay Arcos, David Joseph Arcos; granddaughter: Danielle Michaele Alvarez; brothers: Guadalupe L. Alvarez and wife Rosa, Andres Alvarez and wife Juanita; sisters: Margie Cruz, Pat Moncada and husband Margarito, Dionecia Alvarez, all of San Antonio, Josie Lloyd and husband James of Alabama and Rosalinda Rodriguez, and numerous nieces and nephews. A Rosary was recited on Friday September 12, 2003 at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church and the Funeral Mass was held on Saturday, September 13, 2003 at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church. The Pallbearers were: Ray Faris, Eddie Arcos, Anthony Arcos, David Arcos, Bob Spiser, Doug Riff. Burial with military honors followed in the Hondo Cemetery, Oakwood Section.
