Joel Arevalo

Joel Arevalo Sr. Edinburg - Joel Arevalo, 80, entered into eternal rest surrounded by his loving family on Sunday, October 18, 2015 at Doctors Hospital at Renaissance in Edinburg. He is preceded in death by his parents, Pablo and Sira Arevalo; brothers, Seferino and Onesimo Arevalo; his in-laws, Chono and Sara Falcon Reyes, and his granddaughter, Faith Noelle Robinson. Joel is survived by the love of his life, Adelfa "Dee" Reyes Arevalo of Edinburg; three daughters, Margot (Julio) Arevalo-Gonzalez of Edinburg, Letty (Joey) Ramon of Mission, and Dalia (Rich) Robinson of Los Fresnos; and one son, Joel "Judd"(Melissa) Arevalo, Jr. of Edinburg. Joel leaves six grandchildren that affectionately referred to him as "Pa": Aaron Ramon, Sara Ramon, Mariah Nikole Robinson, Zackary Ramon, Isaac Arevalo, and Ayssa Arevalo. Joel served his country with honor by enlisting in the United States Army from 1956 through 1958 during the Korean Conflict and earned the rank of Sergeant. He was stationed in Frankfort, Germany, and often spoke of traveling to Italy, London and Spain while on furlough. While in Germany, Joel became proficient in the German language and over the years often left his family and friends in awe that he could still speak the language despite his gradual memory deterioration. As a life-long resident of Edinburg, Joel will always be remembered as a hardworking, private man who enjoyed good times with his family, laughing and reminiscing about his younger days and playing practical jokes. Despite often displaying his serious demeanor to strangers, those who knew him recognized that he was actually the opposite around his close friends and family and never gave a second thought to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. He loved the outdoors, especially working in his yard where he took pride in the fact that it was always neat and manicured. Joel would chuckle because his neighbors always thought he had a full time landscaper; he often said leaves were afraid to fall in his yard. When he wasn't gardening, he loved exercising, jogging, maintaining a healthy weight, and encouraged his family to do the same. Early on, Lito was considered an excellent dancer at the town sock-hops and continued to enjoy it throughout his life. At 17, Joel began working for Golden Jersey Creamery in Edinburg and through hard work, a charismatic personality, and natural ability to take charge, he was promoted to Sales Supervisor, making him the first Hispanic at this position. Never afraid of a challenge, he later ventured into business for himself. He opened a pool hall that he named Mid-Nite Bar in Edinburg, a business he successfully ran for over 40 years. There, his friends and patrons referred to him as "Lito" while playing pool with him or watching him as he defeated other challengers. He remained unbeatable and passed that skill on to his grandchildren in his later years and showed them countless trick shots and strategies. Joel also was the sole proprietor of Arevalo Tires in San Juan, Texas. Joel taught his children that hard work, dedication, and generosity to his employees, they too could be successful in life. Joel leaves a legacy of humility, faith, love for his family, reminding all to respect one another and to live life to the fullest. He loved people, enjoyed helping those in need and was an extremely loyal friend. He will always be remembered as a loving husband, dad, grandfather, businessman and someone who truly loved his country. Visitation will be from 5pm to 9pm with a 7pm rosary today, October 21, 2015, at Legacy Chapels, 4610 S. Jackson in Edinburg, Texas. Funeral service will be at 10am Thursday, October 22, 2015, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Edinburg. Interment will follow at Hillcrest Cemetery in Edinburg with full military honors. Pallbearers will be Aaron Ramon, Zackary Ramon, Isaac Arevalo, Julio H. Gonzalez, Joseph Ramon III, Cesar Arevalo and Richard Robinson. The Arevalo Family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the medical professionals and Dr. Ruben Mohme, who genuinely cared for him on a daily basis at Retama Manor, Lifecare, and DHR Hospital for their unwavering devotion to the sick and elderly. We shall never forget your kindness and compassion. Funeral services are under the direction of Legacy Chapels in Edinburg. .