Humberto Sepulveda

Humberto Sepulveda, known to many as "Beto," passed away on July 31, 2024, surrounded by family. He was born on November 17, 1926, to Amado Jr. and Guadalupe Rincon Sepulveda in San Juan, Texas. He was raised by his loving grandparents, Amado Sr. and Guadalupe Pena Sepulveda. As a teenager, Beto enjoyed fishing in the canals and treating his friends to lunch. Treating people to lunch became Beto's trademark and a lifelong hobby. 

While still in high school, Beto enlisted in the Army. He was a World War II Veteran stationed in Germany and was very proud of his service to our country. Beto carried himself with dignity and honor throughout his tenure as a soldier. After being honorably discharged, Beto returned home. 

Soon after, he met his soulmate, Librada "Lala" Pedraza. Lala was a senior in high school and had plenty of friends in her social group. To keep them from Lala, Beto would treat them all to hamburgers at lunchtime. Lala's parents, Panfilo and Blacita, enforced strict rules, which included no dating. When Lala explained to Beto that her father was a preacher and she was not allowed to date, Beto insisted on meeting them. It was only a short time before Beto, a natural salesperson and genuinely kind person, won them over. Blacita was ecstatic and welcomed him as a son-in-law in 1949.

 Beto and Lala settled in Weslaco, where his parents had been pioneers since the early 20s. His father, Amado Sepulveda Jr., owned and operated a spaghetti warehouse located in what is now the parking lot of Lone Star National Bank. Beto and Lala spent the rest of their lives and raised three children, Elma, Diane, and Humberto Jr., in Weslaco. 

Beto's career is one defined by his unwavering commitment to serving others. His career in sales began in 1951 when he joined Lack's Furniture, and over the years, his magnetic personality and genuine interest in people endeared him to all who crossed his path. Beto's exceptional gift for making customers feel special earned him numerous accolades, ultimately leading to his appointment as Vice President of Lack's Associated Valley Stores. Later on, he reached the pinnacle of success by becoming the Vice President of the entire company—an achievement that underscored his dedication and work ethic.

In 1974, after receiving overwhelming encouragement and support from his loved ones, Beto took a bold step forward and established Sepulveda's Furniture. This venture showcased his entrepreneurial spirit and passion for quality home goods. Situated at 155 S. Texas in Weslaco, Beto's store became a beloved fixture in the community, a testament to his ability to create lasting connections wherever he went. Beto's people skills only improved with age. While he was in the hospital after open heart surgery, he was selling furniture. A week later, Beto's doctor was at the store. When Beto decided to close his business, he was recruited by Max Fine Furniture. Beto enjoyed working and socializing with customers. Beto continued serving his community and worked well into his 80's. 

Beyond his professional endeavors, Beto will be fondly remembered for his vibrant personality and zest for life. His natural charm and generosity made him a social butterfly who relished every opportunity to engage with old and new friends. Beto's love for people made him a member of several coffee groups. Beto never turned down an invitation for coffee, which was nearly every day, sometimes multiple times in one day. Beto kept his habit of inviting people for lunch or dinner and would generously foot the bill—a small gesture that spoke volumes about his generous spirit. 

Beto was an active community leader. He was a member of the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars, Knights of Columbus, and the Weslaco Chamber of Commerce, to name a few. He readily volunteered for many community and church events. 

In his leisure time, Beto found solace in watching classic Western movies and indulging in movie nights at the Wes Mer drive-in theater. Together with Lala, they embarked on countless adventures around town—cruising the streets under the starlit sky or exploring far-flung destinations across the globe. They shared a love for adventure and had a passion for traveling. Also, Beto earned many trips throughout his career. Beto and Lala traveled the world, visiting Spain, Portugal, England, Switzerland, Germany, Italy, Denmark, and Acapulco, to name a few. They also saw most of the United States. California, New York, Colorado, Arkansas, Ohio, and Michigan were some of their favorite places. Beto and Lala also had many friends they often invited for a backyard barbecue. 

Beto was above all, a man of much faith. During one of his hospitalizations, when the nurses attending him heard him praying for them, they continued coming back for more prayer. He always gave thanks to God for all of his blessings. 

Beto is preceded in death by his grandparents, Amado Sr., and Guadalupe Pena Sepulveda; his parents, Amado Jr. and Guadalupe Rincon Sepulveda; his brothers Eliberto and his wife Alicia; Jesus, Domingo and his wife Noemi; his sister Irma, his daughter-in-law Olga, and his granddaughter Patti Sepulveda. 

He is survived by his wife, Librada "Lala" Sepulveda; children, Elma Marroquin (Rolando), Diane Salinas (Alfredo), and Humberto Sepulveda Jr.; his sisters, Emma Trevino (Simon+) and Maria Salinas (Mario+), grandchildren, Rolando "Roly" Marroquin Jr. (Magaly), Marcos Andres Marroquin (Marissa), Adriana Tonelli (Steve), Vanessa Salinas (Guillermo), Laura DeLeon (Jorge), Humberto "Trae" Sepulveda III (Emily), great-grandchildren, Giuliana, Blake, and Alyssa Diane Tonelli, Liam, Alec, and Jace DeLeon, Luka Valentin, Brodie, Arabella, and Judah Sepulveda, Cristian, Abrielle, Abigail, Mia Sofia, Mauricio and Diego Marroquin, Esteban Cardenas, and numerous nieces and nephews. 

As family and friends gather to bid farewell to Humberto Sepulveda, let us celebrate a life well-lived—a life dedicated to spreading joy, fostering connections, and embodying the true essence of love. His kindness, compassion, and boundless generosity touched the lives of everyone he met, leaving an indelible mark of warmth and affection. 

Services honoring Humberto Sepulveda will be held on Tuesday, August 6, from 1 pm to 8 pm, with a Celebration of Life at 7 pm at McCaleb Funeral Home. Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, August 7, at St Joan of Arc Catholic Church at 10:00 am, followed by burial at Highland Memorial Park.