Basilio Martinez Fuentes

Basilio Fuentes Martinez, 89 years young, passed away on January 26, 2021 surrounded by family at the South Bend home of his daughter and son-in-law, Lolly and Robert Morie, Jr. He was born on Dec. 1, 1931 in Brownsville, Texas to Seferino Fuentes and Ageda Martinez. He was the third of 9 children.

Basilio had a strong work ethic.  As a young man, he worked at a bicycle repair shop and at a bowling alley setting up pins. Later, he worked for the street department in Brownsville alongside his father. In 1959 Basilio moved to Plymouth, Indiana with his son Lupe and daughter Juanita (Jane). He enjoyed taking them apple picking at Bigley’s Orchard in Culver, and swimming at Dixon Lake and Lake Maxinkuckee.

In 1963, Basilio married Carmen Valentin. They raised four children of their own and were married for 50 years.  Basilio loved music and taught his children many of his beloved Mexican rancheras, Country & Western songs, and songs by his favorite cowboys, Roy Rogers and Gene Autry.  He also enjoyed writing stories, poems and songs.  

While raising his family Basilio worked at Young Door Company, and later at McCords Corporation, retiring in 1992. After his retirement he moved to San Sabastian, Puerto Rico. He enjoyed the year-round warm weather that allowed him to putter around in the yard tending to his lemon and avocado trees.

Basilio is survived by his sons: Lupe (leza) Fuentes, and Carlos (Nayda) Fuentes; His daughters Lolly (Robert, Jr.) Morie, Nora (Orlando) Recio and Juanita (Jane) Fuentes; granddaughters: Felicia Steinbicer, Veronica Smith, Audrie (Jake) Svay, Tahnee Fuentes, Adriana and Mia Recio; grandson Josh (Haley) Ruiz; great-grandchildren: Adrian, Xavier, Gavin and Addiley Ruiz, Cecilia Winchester, Meranda Davis ; great-great grandchildren Brennan, Beckett and Maverick Davis, and Devin, Cheyenne, Gabriel Smith. Basilio is survived by brothers: Jose, Jose angel and Guadalupe Fuentes; sister Maria Alicia Alvarez, all of Texas. He is also survived by his beloved nieces and nephews. He was proceded in death by his loving wife and son Fabian Fuentes; sisters: Evangelina Smith, Rosario Martinez, Maria Zarazua; and brother Alberto Fuentes.

The family wishes to express their gratefulness to St. Joseph PACE for the tender care and friendship Basilio received from them.

Due to COVID-19, there will be no public service. A private family service will be held, and interment of his ashes will be in Puerto Rico.

If a man dies, can he live again?

I will wait all the days of my compulsory service until my relief comes.

You will call, and I will answer you.

You will long for the work of your hands.

~Job 14:14-15

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