Irene M. Balcazar, formerly of Van Horn, passed away Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2014 in Big Spring, Texas. She was born to Jose Mendez and Maria Benavidez Mendez on June 28, 1933, in Van Horn. Ms. Balcazar was a homemaker.
A prayer service was held Thursday, Feb. 20, 2014 at Templo Elim. Funeral service was held Friday, Feb. 21, 2014 at Templo Elim led by Pastors Irma Gutierrez and Francisco Garza. Burial followed immediately at Van Horn Cemetery under the direction of Memorial Funeral Home of Fort Stockton.
Pallbearers serving included: Ricardo Balcazar, Jr., Mario Balcazar, Jose Miguel Balcazar, Adan Balcazar, Ruben Mendez and Salvador Lerma. Honorary Pallbearers serving were John Reyes, Jr., Jimmy Robles, Jonathan Balcazar, Louie Balcazar, Mario Balcazar, Jr., and Joey Villasenor.
She is survived by sons, Jose Miguel Balcazar and Aida of Van Horn, Mario Balcazar of Van Horn, Ricardo Balcazar and Bertha of Big Spring, Adan Balcazar of Big Spring; daughters, Rosa Balcazar of Seminole, Tex., Lupe Balcazar of Van Horn, Olga Contreras and Freddy of Seminole , Adela Robles of Big Spring, Josie Balcazar and Terry of Big Spring, Rosario Balcazar of Big Spring, Esabel Brooks of Vista, Calif., Cecilia Hayes and Zachery of Lake Jackson, Texas, Norma Balcazar of Pasadena, Texas; brother, Cruz Mendez, Sr., of Allamore, and sister, Petra Mendez of Van Horn; 29 grandchildren, 48 great grandchildren, and two great-great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by parents, Jose and Maria Mendez, and daughter, Manuela Balcazar.
