Jose D. "Lolo" Tovar, 71, of Sunnyside beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend passed away unexpectedly of natural causes on Tuesday, Aug. 31, 2010, at his home.
He was born March 31, 1939 to Manuel and Catarina Alejandro Tovar in Bustamante Nuevo Leon, Mexico.
On Nov. 20, 1960 he married Manuela J. Becho.
Jose worked for various farmers throughout the country.
He was always the first person his friends called upon when they needed help.
He spent countless hours helping his friends, having coffee at local mini marts just to chat with his buddies. Anyone who knew him would say dad had too many friends to count.
He made time to always do what he loved best, that was to grow his favorite vegetables and take them to market. He would take them as far as Oregon and California making sure his family always had their share. He would load up his truck and go as far as Texas yearly to visit his family and deliver whatever he had collected throughout the year from flea marts and yard sales.
Every morning he made his rounds to see his children either at work or at home depending on the day and bring his "treat of the day" whether it was Menudo, homemade tortillas sent by our mom or his vegetables. He always made time for his children.
He will be missed by all until the day we can be together again.
Jose is survived by his loving wife, Manuela J. Tovar of Sunnyside; five children, Catarina (Charles) Rowley of Lacey, Elisa Tovar and Joe Tovar, both of Sunnyside, Diana (Buddy) Tovar of Outlook and Julian (Tara) Tovar of Kent; 13 grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren; three sisters; and three brothers.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Manuel and Catarina; one brother, Agustin Tovar; and one sister, Esperanza Mendoza.
Viewing and visitation will be held today, Sept. 2, 2010, from 3 to 8 p.m., with an evening service to begin at 6 p.m. at Smith Funeral Home in Sunnyside. Graveside services will be held Friday, Sept. 3, 2010, at 1 p.m. at Lower Valley Memorial Gardens in Sunnyside.
Smith Funeral Home in Sunnyside is in charge of arrangements.
