Alonso "Al" Ayala

SANTA FE - Alonso "Al" Ayala, 90, of Santa Fe, Texas passed away peacefully on March 27, 2024, at home with his family. He was born on March 15, 1934, and was one of seven children. He was known to his co-workers and friends as “Al”. He was a resident of Santa Fe for over 55 years. Shortly after high school graduation from Edcouch-Elsa High School in Edcouch, TX and during the final year of the Korean War, he joined the United States Marine Corps, where he was a Sergeant, and he earned the rating as a Sharpshooter. With his steady hands and eyesight, he was sent to train in Florida and then moved on to specialize in heliarc welding on the military aircraft carriers, battleships, and jet airplanes at National Steel in the San Diego, CA Harbor. He furthered his education at San Diego City College in the study of metallurgy sciences in Southern California and gained his welding certification. Upon arrival in Texas in the 1960’s, he reported to work at Farmer’s Marine Copperworks and worked at their Scholes Field location for 20+ years and also helped build the Bay City Nuclear Power Plant in the late 1980’s. He was a member of the United Association-Pipefitters Local 211 for over 55 years.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Ramiro Ayala, Sr. and Carmen (Villareal) Ayala; eldest son, David Alonso Ayala; brothers, Ramiro Ayala, Jr. and Frank Ayala; sisters, Soledad Davila and Margaret Jackson; great-granddaughter Charlotte Rose Bordeaux; son-in-law, Peter (Pete) deGroot along with many beloved aunts, uncles and cousins.

He is survived by his loving wife of 70 years, Armandina “Mandy” (Garza) Ayala, they met in elementary school. Also survived by his daughter, Diane Ayala deGroot of Santa Fe; sons, Miguel (Mike) Ayala and wife, Nelly of Santa Fe, George Ayala and wife, Michele of Pearland and Marco (Marc) Ayala and wife, Astrid of League City; brother, Rogelio (Roy) Ayala of Indiana; sister, Carmen Cantu of San Clemente, California.

He was lovingly and simply called “Grandpa” by his 14 grandchildren; Miguel (Mike) Ayala, Jr., Cristy Feimster, Briana Siggins, Bianca Borden, Lori Bordeaux, Eric Powers, Sara Dee, Jason deGroot, Clint deGroot, Aidan Ayala, Alexandre (Alex) Ayala, Chloe Ayala, David Ayala, Jr. and Corina Ayala; 23 great-grandchildren; along with a host of nieces and nephews.

Al loved playing the weekly lotto and kept accurate journals of his numbers. He will be remembered as a smart, hard-working man, always ready to help family with projects. He gave his family a great work ethic and always had a funny story or comment to share. He was a fan of Pedro Infante and Jorge Negrete, he loved their music and black and white movies.

Visitation will begin at 10:30 AM on Thursday, April 4, 2024, followed by a memorial service at 11:30 AM. in the chapel of Hayes Funeral Home, 10412 Highway 6, Santa Fe, TX 77510. Services to be officiated by his grandson, Pastor Clint deGroot.

Honorary pallbearers will be his grandsons, Miguel (Mike) Ayala, Jr., Eric Powers, Clint deGroot, Jason deGroot, Aidan Ayala, Alexandre (Alex) Ayala and David Ayala, Jr.

Memorials can be made in the form of donations to the following organizations: Wounded Warrior Project – www.support.woundedwarriorproject.org, or Galveston County Marine Corps League, c/o Ronnie Mills, 1101 FM 517 Road West, #1111, Dickinson, Texas 77539, please note In Memory of Alonso Ayala.

The family would like to thank the staff at The Heart Hospital at HCA Clear Lake and Allegiance Hospice Care and also all of the relatives and friends far and wide who have visited, telephoned, and assisted with the family in our time of need.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.