Encarnación Fuentes, Jr. passed away on September 11, 2021 with his loving wife of 50 years by his side. He was born in McAllen, TX on February 24, 1949. He was a 1967 graduate of McAllen High School. He also served 6 years in the U.S. Army National Guard as a medic. He was very proud of his role in the guard and enjoyed reminding his family of that as often as possible. 

While in McAllen, he worked actively as a musician, ultimately becoming one of the pioneering musicians in the South Texas Tejano music genre. As a member of Los Fabulosos 4, along with his brother, Edgar, he served as a songwriter, arranger, and performer of the classic Tejano genre. He was an exceptionally talented guitarist and producer, and enjoyed creating music in the recording studio. In the early stages of the internet, he founded Tejanoclassics.com, becoming one of the earliest online retailers to offer, restore and remaster early 60’s, 70’s, and 80’s Tejano music, which reached grateful fans internationally. Music was his greatest passion. It is a passion that lives on in his daughters, Leticia, who is a classical violinist, mariachi musician and Orchestra teacher, and Sandra, who shares his great love of Tejano music, working with him at Tejanoclassics.com and alongside him in his music business events.

Aside from his music background, he held management positions in the corporate world, working for Phillip Morris USA in McAllen and ultimately transferring his family to Houston.  

Upon raising his daughters, and retiring from Phillip Morris USA, he completed a long-held goal to finish college. He graduated as an Outstanding Student at the age of 64 from Sam Houston State University with a Bachelor of Spanish. He was a proud alumnus and Bearkat, along with his wife, Yolanda, and his daughter, Leticia, who all graduated from SHSU. 

Encarnacion was a loyal fan of the Dallas Cowboys. He was happiest surrounded by his family, enjoying some beers, and making his famous barbecue chicken on the pit. 

Encarnacion is preceded in death by his parents, Maria Esther and Encarnacion Fuentes, Sr., and brother, Edgar A. Fuentes. 

He leaves behind his wife of 50 years, Yolanda Fuentes, who was his high school sweetheart. Two daughters: Leticia I. Fuentes, Sandra Cavazos and her husband Roland; Grandchildren: Andres E. Garcia, Erin A. Cavazos, Jordan Cavazos, Julia Cavazos, and Ethan Cavazos; Great grandchildren: Harlow Cavazos, and Sylas Cavazos.

Most importantly, he leaves behind a legacy of kindness, wisdom, understanding, inclusion, and love. His presence in our lives was the greatest gift that we could ever receive. 

A Celebration of Life will be held at Rivera Funeral Home, 1901 Pecan, McAllen, Texas, on Tuesday, September 21, from 4:00-8:00pm. Service begins at 6:30pm.

Mass will be held at St. Joseph the Worker Church, 900 S. 23rd St. in McAllen, TX at 11:30am with interment immediately following at Valley Memorial Gardens in Mission, Tx.