Jose R. Alcantar

Born November 2, 1912 in Guadalajara, Mexico, he emigrated to the United States and became a proud naturalized citizen. His example of hard work taught us the importance of responsibility to family and community. He loved going to work. He said his “work was his hobby”. We are so proud of his success as a business man and grateful for his loving generosity to his family, his community and to his church. He helped found Continental National Bank; the first minority owned bank in El Paso. He was an original owner of customs brokerage; Brown Alcantar and Brown; which he helped start in 1952 and is still in operation today. He demonstrated an incredible work ethic and overcame many obstacles, including growing up in the Great Depression. However, this great love of work was only evidence of his greater love of caring for and serving his family throughout all his life. He was a pioneer and a hero to all his family. He will be greatly missed.

As we grieve and mourn the loss of our father/husband we are comforted knowing he is now resting in the loving arms of Our Lord.

Preceded in death by his son-in-law Joseph Bennett, daughter and son-in-law Patricia ‘Yoli’ and Joe Navarro, he is survived by his loving wife Olga and children; Maggie Bennett, Sylvia Alcantar, Richard Alcantar, Joe (Kim) Alcantar, Jr, Cecilia (Marcos) Lizarraga, and Toni (Bill) Fox and his dear 19 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren. He was the last surviving sibling of 10 brothers and sisters.

Thank you to the faithful employees of Brown Alcantar and Brown whom he loved like family. Our special thanks to Connie Puente who served him faithfully for 50 years. We will be forever grateful for the excellent loving and compassionate care of his care givers: Chela, Marta, Cristina, Espie and Blanca.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, September 14, 2011, beginning at 5:30pm with a Rosary at 6:30pm at Martin Funeral Home West. A Funeral Mass will be held on Thursday, September 15, 2011 at 10:00am at Holy Family Catholic Church 900 W. Missouri, with Father Roberto Alvarado officiating. A private inurnment will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to the El Paso Community Foundation, Jose and Olga Alcantar Family Fund 123 W. Mills #520, El Paso, TX 79901 or the Alzheimer’s Association 4687 N Mesa, El Paso, TX 79912. Services entrusted to Martin Funeral Home West, 128 N. Resler Dr. El Paso, TX 79912. www.MartinFuneralHomeWest.com