It is with great sadness that the family of Audon M. Pena, Sr. announce his passing as he succumbed to a short but hard fought battle with cancer at the age of 82. He lived a full and wonderful life, beginning July 30, 1937, to Jesus Pena and Celestina Montalvo Pena born in current day Rios, Texas.
A beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin and friend to many.

Having grown up in Premont, Texas his deep sense of community pride was rooted at a young age. Every festival, parade, football game, family celebration; he was present, with his camcorder no doubt! As a child he took on the role of a leader in his family. Although he truly valued the principal of education, he knew it was necessary that he work to provide for his brothers and sisters.

He would continue harvesting fields till the age of 22, a job of which he was extremely proud. It provided him the amazing opportunity to travel to places like New Mexico, California, Arizona, Utah, Nevada, Idaho, Oregon, Washington, Louisiana, Florida, Oklahoma, Mississippi, Tennessee, Kansas, Missouri, Illinois. As he carried his workers from state to state, his Ford pickup truck read on its side in large letters "El Mil Amores de Premont Tex" Countless memories and stories were forged through his years there that would last a lifetime.

On December 5, 1959, two hearts would be joined as one when Audon would marry his soulmate Odilia Garcia. Together they brought to life two beautiful sons, Audon Pena, Jr. and Omar G. Pena. Fifteen years later they would choose to join in the Sacrament of Marriage through Saint Theresa's Catholic Church in Premont, a parish to which they have proudly called home from that point forward.

After leaving the crop business he then spent about 12 years with Howell Cattle in Premont. Around his mid-30's he would pick up the art of gunite swimming pool construction; quickly becoming a pioneer of the industry. This new job would also take him throughout the United States creating backyard dreamscapes for his clients. Many of the swimming pools he created in hotels, motels, countless homes throughout Kingsville, Bishop, Rivera, Corpus Christi, the King Ranch and many more in the area; are still functioning to this day.

It is nearly impossible to capture the full impact which Audon had on his community or to try in only a few words to express the love and joy that he brought to those who loved him dearly. For his wife he provided strength, stability, and unfailing love. For his family he was our rock, the core of our happiness. His contagious smile would light any space. He had a genuine heart, a giving soul and desire to help those in need. If you called him at four in the morning to say you had a water leak; he wouldn't ask what's in it for me, but simply where are you and what do you need for me to do. He was a God fearing man, who loved his faith and in return taught his family to be strong, loyal, independent and caring. To say he was a force to be reckoned with is an understatement. He had a soft heart for his grandchildren and great-grandchildren who affectionately knew him as their "popo." We will miss him dearly but we will celebrate his life forever. Throughout his illness he never lost hope or faith in God, Our Father. He welcome His will to be done and carried the cross that was his to bear. A man among men. We love you, popo.

He joins in Heaven, his son Omar G. Pena; his parents Jesus and Celestina Pena; and siblings: Pedro Pena, Yolanda Pena and Norma Villa.

Audon is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Odilia G. Pena; sons: Audon (Carmen) Pena, Jr., the late Omar (Suzanne) Pena. His legacy lives on in the hearts of his grandchildren: Audon (Carl) Pena III, Omar Javier (Dominique) Pena, Savannah Irene (Alfredo) Pena, Lucas Steven Pena, Stephanie Amber (J.R.) Pena-Zuniga, Thomas Aaron Pena; great-grandchildren: Havannah Ilyne Pena, Kylene Revee Pena, Kali Blake Zuniga, Scarllet Lanay Pena, Brooke Meagin Pena, Mila Paige Pena, Isla Rae Zuniga, Reyna Mia Pena-Villanueva, Austin Aikman Pena-Villanueva, and Noah Hayes Pena-Zuniga; brothers: Jose (Herlinda) Pena, Marcelino (Aurora) Pena, Lorenzo (Janie) Pena; sister Juanita (late Alfonso) Davila; numerous nieces, nephews and cousin whom he loved dearly.

Services to celebrate the life of Audon Pena will begin Wednesday, October 9, 2019 at Saint Theresa of the Infant Jesus Catholic Church 235 SW 4th St, Premont, TX
Public Visitation will begin at 5:00 p.m. with a Vigil for the Deceased at 7:00 p.m. that evening.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, October 10, 2019 at St Theresa's with the committal service to follow in the Premont Cemetery - South. Family and friends are invited back to Saint Theresa's Parish Hall for food and fellowship after the conclusion of cemetery services.

Serving as pallbearers will be:
Ray Pena
Yuma Martinez
A.B. Pena
Chris Martinez
Jesus Pena
R.D. Davila
Mario Villa, Jr.
Michael Pena

The family wishes to express their heartfelt appreciation for the love and support each of you have poured out over these past few weeks, and to the dedicated staff of Nurses on Wheels Hospice, Corpus Christi; for the compassionate and diligent care they provide to Audon in his final weeks. Our hearts are full. Thank you all.