Cleofás"Cleo"Lárez, 91, passed away on Sunday, August 23, 2020 after a month-long battle with pneumonia.

Born on September 25, 1928inSan Francisco Del Oro, Chihuahua, Mexico, Cleowas forced to learn thevalue of hard work ata very young age. Heimmigrated to the United Stateswhen he was onlyseventeen years old.He would spend the rest of his life learning to love all aspects of American culture, from Western movies,tohamburgers, tobaseball. Becoming an American citizen wasavery proud accomplishment forCleo. He workedhard to help other members of his family immigrate to the United States legally, so they too could experience the American Dream.

Cleomet his soulmate, Angelina,in 1951inMcNary, Texas. Cleo was staying at a boardinghouse, and Angie worked in the boardinghouse, serving meals to guests. They eloped and spent thenext 67years living in holy matrimony, serving as an example of true love for everyone that knew them. They moved toMadera in 1957, where they were active members ofIglesiaelCalvariothen Evangelical Free Church for many years.

Cleo will be remembered for his incredible work ethic andhis commitment to his family. He spentalmost his entire lifetime working in agriculture, including anearly40-year stint as a foreman forKayianRanch.He rose early every morning, eager to do honest workand be productive. He claimed hard work was the secret to his long life and good health.On the very rare occasion when Cleo was not working, he loved watching horse races and the Pittsburg Steelers.

Cleowas preceded in death by his wife, AngelinaLárez.

He is survived by hisseven children, NormaBernál, Sally Muñoz and her husband Leonard, Armida Roberts and her husband Myron, Sandra Morin,Liz Gómez and her husband Rick, Eva Chávez and her husband David, and AdamLárezand his wife Lorena.Heisalso survived byhissister,MercedLárez Aguirre, his14 grandchildren,his15great-grandchildrenandhismany nieces and nephews.