Lee Elias Aguilar

LEE “ELIAS” AGUILAR

Lee “Elias” Aguilar, 89, passed away on Wednesday, February 28 at his home in Belton, in the presence of several of his children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews who were praying the Holy Rosary by his bedside. Services to celebrate his life and legacy include Visitation on Tuesday March 6, 2018 from 6 PM to 7 PM, followed by a Rosary led by Deacon Armando Aguirre at 7PM, at Dossman Funeral Home in Belton.

Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 AM Wednesday, March 7, 2018 at Christ the King Catholic Church in Belton with Father John Kim officiating. Burial will be at Hillcrest Cemetery in Temple. Pallbearers will be grandsons Robert Lee II “Robbie” Aguilar, David Fernandez III , Jason Torres, William Lee Aguilar, Anthony Aguilar, Jonathan Morales, Matthew Sherwood, and granddaughter Hope De la Rosa.

Lee Aguilar was born on March 24, 1928 in Oenaville, Texas. His parents were Macario Miguel and Sophia Thompson Aguilar. On December 17, 1947 he married Joan “Chonita” (Guzman) Aguilar. Together they had 10 children and were married 53 years, until her passing.

Mr. Aguilar was a charter member of the Knights of Columbus Council #7196. He retired from the Santa Fe Railroad, where he worked for several years as a Car Inspector and Welder. He was also a former employee of MKT Railroad and Griggs Equipment Company in Belton.

Mr. Aguilar enjoyed spending time with family and friends, dancing, playing guitar, playing dominoes, going to bingo and traveling (including road trips to Oklahoma and Louisiana with family and friends). He was a storyteller, often reflecting on his childhood and life adventures. He had advice for any number of situations and was incredibly generous to those he saw in need. One of his hobbies was making wooden wagons, furniture and toys, many of which were hand painted by his wife Joan. He took pride in all his work, whether on the job or simply around the house.

He is preceded in death by his parents, his wife Joan Aguilar, his sister Augustina Castro, and his daughter Nelida Aguilar.

Survivors include four sons and their spouses, Robert L. Aguilar (and Argie Gomez), Richard C. Aguilar, Michael M. Aguilar (and Donna), and Gabriel A. Aguilar (and Loreen Hlavac); five daughters, Teresita E. Aguilar, Rita S. Aguilar, Claudia P. Morales Bear (and Gray Bear), Melissa I. (and Rene) De La Rosa, and Catherine J. Sherwood; five sisters, Janie Reyna of El Paso, Julia Vasquez of Corpus Christi, Martha Garcia of Temple, Dathene Lopez of Sterling Illinois, and Maria Aguilar of Monterrey Mexico; thirty-one grandchildren, and forty great-grandchildren, and his honorary “brother in Christ” Msgr. Victor Goertz.

Lee was a man of faith, praying daily for family and friends and he gave thanks for each and every meal. Lee (and Joan) were Godparents to several nieces and nephews and family friends. He valued simplicity, respect and kindness. He will be missed greatly by those whose life he touched.