Ascencion "Ace" Almanza Jr.

At a young age, he started his concrete career working for his father’s company, Almanza Concrete. During his time there, the family completed commercial and residential projects across the Brazos Valley including several streets, side walks and buildings at Texas A&M University. Upon the closure of the business, he began working at Texas A&M in the HEQ department where he created the recycling & compost yard. He continued to work on projects throughout the university and made lifelong friendships with his colleagues.

Ace met his wife Shirley at Triangle Bowl in 1972. He continued to bowl for the remainder of his life with his friends, children, and grandchildren. He bowled his first 300 in 1994 and went on to bowl his second one at Grand Station in 2003. Ace started his Little League West days in 1982 coaching his son. He went on to become President of Little League West and serve on the board for several years. He later advanced to Assistant District Administrator of District 33 until his untimely death.

Ace was a family man. He would often be found watching his children and grandchildren’s sporting events and hosting his family in the backyard park that he built. He enjoyed golfing, woodworking, poker nights, and watching Aggie Baseball with his family and friends.

Ace is preceded in death by his parents, Ascencion & Rosa Bruna Almanza; brother, Jose Antonio Almanza; sister & brother-in-law, Mercedes and Gilbert Adams; brother-in-law, Frank Aguirre; nephews, Bobby Joe Adams, Jerry Lloyd and Andrew Medina.

Ace is survived by his wife of 50 years, Shirley Richards Almanza; son and daughter-in-law, Christopher and Jennifer Almanza; daughter, Alicia Almanza and fiancé Milton Mooring II; daughter and son-in-law, Nicole and Anthony Bryant II; grandchildren Brandon, Joshua, Nadia, Nolan, Haley, Clarissa, Alexis, Milton, and Mi’taya; siblings, Saturnino (Tony) & Mary Almanza, Jesse Almanza, Erasmo and Gloria Almanza, Pedro and Sandy Almanza, Josey and Tony Medina, Melinda Aguirre, Janie and Tony Hernandez and Olga Sauseda; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Herbert and Donna Richards, Kenny and Mildred Richards, Tommy Richards, Betty Williford, Brenda and Bobby Stone; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral service will be held at 10:30 am Saturday, March 2, 2024 at Memorial Funeral Chapel in Bryan. Interment will follow at Willowhole Cemetery in Madison County. Visitation will be from 5 – 8 pm Friday at the funeral home.