Abel Javier Elizondo, 84, of Corpus Christi Texas, passed away peacefully on May 22, 2026 surrounded by his family.

Abel was born on April 29, 1942, in Zapata, Texas to Ramona and Abel Elizondo. While growing up in Zapata, he met and married his wife, Celia Ramirez. From 1964- 1966, he proudly served his country in the U.S. Army and bravely fought in the Vietnam War.

Upon his return, he made Corpus Christi his home and started a family. In 1969, Abel started working as an Aluminum Loader at Reynolds Metal Company in Ingleside, Texas. Abel retired as a Train Operator in 2003 after working there for 34 years. Abel was affectionately nicknamed “Primo” by all who knew him at Reynolds. He was known for his sense of humor and his jokes.

Abel had a love for music. He enjoyed playing the accordion and harmonica in his spare time. He could sit for hours and play his accordion. Abel had a love for classic movies. He also loved watching Boxing. Never missed a good fight. Abel had a compassion for life and helping those in need. He donated to numerous charities, and made friends with everyone that crossed his path. Abel will be remembered for devoting all of his love and time to his wife, children and grandchildren, whom he loved more than anything. Family was his main priority in life and he had an immense love for his grandchildren. His unmistakable presence and enormous energy will forever be missed. His strength, kindness and love will forever be carried on through those who were fortunate to have known him.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Celia R. Elizondo; father, Abel Elizondo; mother, Ramona P. Elizondo; brother Sergio (Olivia) Elizondo; sister, Emilia (Livio) Uribe; and baby sister, Melba Nelia Elizondo.

He is survived by his daughter, Maribel (Wesley) Bocanegra; sons, Abel (Cindy) Elizondo and Jorge (Tony) Elizondo, brother, Miguel (Martha) Elizondo; granddaughters, Isabella Katarina Bocanegra and Hailey Grace Bocanegra, Savanah Monique Canales; grandson, Andrew Elizondo; great granddaughter, Emery Olivia Cortez and numerous nieces and nephews, along with other family members and close and dear friends.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to his doctors, Meridian Care of Alice, Drake Memory Care and Altus Hospice for their unwavering support, love, and care during his final days.

Public visitation will begin at 9:30 a.m. on Monday, June 1, 2026 at Guardian funeral home chapel 5922 Crosstown, with the Funeral service to begin at 11:00 a.m.  Burial will follow with full military honors at 1:00 p.m. at the Coastal Bend State Veterans cemetery 9974 I.H. 37 North Access Rd.