Francisco "Frank" Gaona

FRANCISCO “FRANK” GAONA SAN JUAN – Francisco “Frank” Gaona, 71, entered into eternal peace on Tuesday, July 30, 2013, at Rio Grande Regional Hospital in McAllen. Frank is preceded in death by his parents, Elena Lucas and Ignacio Gaona; and his maternal grandmother, San Juanita Lucas. Mr. Gaona was born in Raymondville, Texas, and had lived in San Juan since 2007. He graduated from Raymondville High School in 1961, earned a Bachelors of Science degree in Education from Pan American University in 1971 and earned a Masters in Education degree from Pan American University in 1973. He was a veteran of the United States Air Force, and after spending many years as an educator in the Valley, he retired as an administrator in the Dallas Independent School District. He continued to enjoy his free time as both a referee and umpire for local school districts. Mr. Gaona is survived by his wife of forty-four years, Elma G. Gaona, of Santa Elena; and leaves many lasting memories with his four children, Francisco Xavier (Kcenia) Gaona, of Miami, Florida, Glendelia Eunice Gaona, of Dallas, Texas, Xenia Idette (Juan Joel) Garza, of Weslaco, Xiquio Omar Gaona, of San Juan; six grandchildren, Aaron Jude Garza, Andres Xavier Gaona, Anthony Xavier Gaona, Xayda Jacelynn Garza, Jiada Karise Garza and Xienna Grace Garza; five siblings, Gus Salas, Rudy Garcia, Joe Garcia, Helen Lucas and Juanita Gaona. Visitation will be held from 5 to 9 p.m., with a 7 p.m. rosary today, August 1, 2013, at Memorial Funeral Home in San Juan. Funeral service will take place at 2 p.m. Friday, August 2, 2013, at St. Jude’s Catholic Church in Pharr. Interment will follow at Lopez Cemetery in Santa Elena, Texas. Military honors will be conducted by VFW Post 7473 of Elsa. Funeral services are under the direction of Memorial Funeral Home in San Juan.