First Sergeant Israel Almendarez, Sr., 79, of Alvin, TX, passed away October 18, 2015 at his home surrounded by his family. Israel was born October 12, 1936 to Tocho and Gregoria Almendarez in San Diego, Texas. He proudly served his country as in the Marine Corps for 24 years and was a member of the Marine Corps League 662 in Galveston Texas. Israel was a charter member of the Serenity Masonic Lodge 1462, a member of the John Mitchell Masonic Lodge 1401, El Mina Shrine and the Shriner’s Builders Club. He was preceded in death by his parents and his beloved wife of 55 years, Elaina Nicolassa Almendarez.

Israel is survived by his children, Israel Almendarez, Jr., Elizabeth Almendarez,  Laura Pauline Thompson and Gina Almendarez; grandchildren, Jennifer Michelle Almendarez, and husband Benjamen David Groh, Tiffany Renee Almendarez, Ashley Nicole Almendarez, Cory Layne Hubbard, Sylvester Andre Thompson; Thomas Joseph Hamilton, Sylvester Primitivo Thompson, Queen Rosetta Maria Thompson, and Sara Williams; Great Grandchildren, Ke’Andre Thompson, Ke’Asya Thompson, Sylvester Andre Thompson, Jr., Connor Layne Hubbard, and Aidan Nicholas Hubbard.

A visitation in his honor will be held 5:00 – 7:00 pm., Thursday, October 22, 2015 with a rosary at 7:00 pm, and a funeral service held 10:00 am Friday, October 23, 2015, at Crowder Funeral Home Chapel, Dickinson, Texas.