Raul Arredondo Jr.

Raul Arredondo, Jr., born January 25, 1949, passed away Saturday, December 21, 2024, at Edinburg Regional Medical Center. He was the beloved son of Raul and Maria Arredondo of Weslaco, Texas. 

Raul’s passing has left a void in the hearts of his family, friends, and many more whose lives were touched by him. 

Raul is survived by his two children, Raul Arredondo III and Melissa Arredondo (Sanjay Bapat); four grandchildren, Raul Arredondo IV, Julian Bapat, Mateo Bapat, Dev Bapat; a brother, David Arredondo; two sisters, Sulema Rodriguez (Chuey) and Elma Arredondo; nephew, JJ Rodriguez (Julie); niece, Jessica Macre (Joey); and stepchildren, Carol Gonzalez Villarreal and Alejandro Gonzalez. 

As a child, Raul was the highest-performing student in his sixth grade class and the valedictorian in 1962 at Sam Houston Elementary School in Weslaco. He was active in the Boy Scouts of America. In 1964, he was recognized for his achievement and service with the Star Scout Award, one of the highest rankings.

Throughout his high school years, he was active with the Hi-Life student newspaper and the La Palma student yearbook. During this time, he became a skilled photographer and once won a statewide prize in news photography. Raul graduated from Weslaco High School in 1968. 

His professional career started when Raul had an opportunity to join the Texas Migrant Council and teach migrant youth following graduation. He moved to Michigan where he left a lasting impression on his students. 

Raul was then drafted and enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. He served honorably for four years as an aviation mechanic working on F4 Phantom Jets, and was stationed at the Marine Corps Air Station, El Toro, CA, the Philippines, and Japan. His awards and decorations include: National Defense Service Medal, the Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Service Medal, the Overseas Service Ribbon and a Rifle Marksman Badge. Sgt Arredondo was a proud Marine who was always ready to talk about his military experiences and held a special place in his heart for his Marine Corps service.

In the seventies, Raul was a college student at Pan American University. He was active in the student association and was the El Sol student newspaper/organization editor and president. During his studies, he was part of a 3 week research project on specialized publications in Mexico City. He graduated with honors, earning a Bachelor of Arts in mass communications and 4.0 GPA. 

Between 1979 and 1981, Raul was involved in the complex process to activate KZLN, a public education station. By 1981, he was their public information officer. Raul was active in the Rio Grande Valley community for decades and was part of Leadership McAllen Class VI (sixth class), and was an active member of the Kiwanis club from 1989 to 2006, serving on the board and as president. 

Raul continued his career in public relations and marketing while employed with McAllen Medical Center and Edinburg General Hospital, and later with the Evins Regional Juvenile Center where he spent the latter part of his career dedicated to helping troubled youth in the Rio Grande Valley.

Away from work-life and community activities, Raul found joy and camaraderie around a fire. He loved spending time grilling on his Old Smokey in the backyard with his parents, family and friends. Those who remember Raul will recall his sharp wit and sense of humor, and dedication to his family. He never met a dog he didn’t like nor was he without a four-legged companion at his side. 

We, beloved friends and family, will miss Raul every day. In his honor, we will root for the Dallas Cowboys every season and we will forever carry his spirit with us. 

Visitation will begin at 5:00 p.m. with a 6:00 p.m. prayer service, Thursday, January 2, 2025, at Memorial Funeral Home, 208 E. Canton in Edinburg. A celebration of life will be  Friday, January 3, 2025, beginning at 9:00 a.m. until 9:30 a.m., and funeral services immediately after at Rio Grande Valley State Veterans Cemetery in Mission. 

A heartfelt thank you to the medical staff at Edinburg Regional Hospital for doing everything they could.

Funeral services are under the direction of Memorial Funeral Home in Edinburg.