Rio Hondo, TX- Abelardo S. Galvan Sr., 89, went to be with the Lord on October 8, 2010 surrounded by his loving family at his residence in La Tina, TX. He was born October 28, 1920, in Rio Hondo to Rafael Galvan and Luisa Salazar Galvan; he was the 8th of 13 children. He joined the Army Air Force on September 2, 1942 and served as a military policeman during World War II; he was awarded the American Theater Campaign, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign, Good Conduct and World War II Victory Medals. He was a well known and respected man in the community who could have a conversation with just about anyone; he loved to read the newspaper and stay up to date on the latest weather; he enjoyed working in his garden and watering his plants, where he was always found. He is preceded in death by his daughter, Oren Zamora; his grandchildren, Amalia Zamora, Aurelio Zamora, Jr. and Brooke Medina. Abelardo is survived by his loving wife of 33 years who was always at his side, Esther Galvan; his children, Abel (Isabel) Galvan, Jr., Rafael (Mayra) Galvan, Abelardo (Maggie) Galvan, Jr., Nancy (Alberto) Lozano, Jo-Ann (Bill) Baldridge and Eleanor (Dan) Ashley; 2 brothers, Angel Galvan and Manuel Galvan, Sr.; 2 sisters, Adela Sanchez and Luisa Garcia; 19 grandchildren; 33 great grandchildren; and a great-great grandchild. Visitation will be held on Monday, October 11, 2010 from 11:00 A.M. to 9:00 P.M. with a Holy Rosary recited at 7:00 P.M. at Thomae-Garza Funeral Home in San Benito. Funeral Mass will be held Tuesday, October 12, 2010 at 1:00 P.M. at St. Helen Catholic Church in Rio Hondo. Interment will follow to Las Yescas Cemetery. Military Honors will be conducted by graveside by American Legion Post 43 of Brownsville. Pallbearers will be Abel Galvan, Jr., Rafael Galvan, Abelardo Galvan, Jr., Alberto Lozano, Felix Medina, Jose Villarreal Sr., David Galvan and Carlos Castaneda; honorary pallbearers will be Billy Galvan, Aaron Galvan, Adam Galvan, Julian Galvan and Christian Lozano. Words of comfort can be sent to the family of Abelardo Galvan, Sr. at www.thomaegarza.com Funeral arrangements entrusted to the care of Thomae-Garza Funeral Directors, 395 S Sam Houston, San Benito, TX (956) 399-1331.