Natibida Loya

Natibida Nat Loya, 89, passed away on Tuesday, August 26, 2008 in Abilene. His funeral service will be held at 10:00 AM on Saturday, August 30th at the Gethsemani Spanish Assembly of God, 2001 Park Ave with burial following in Elmwood Memorial Park. Visitation is from 6:00 to 7:00 PM on Friday with a prayer service beginning at 7:00 PM in the Elmwood Funeral Home Chapel, 5750 HWY South.

Nat was born on April 19, 1919 in Cedar Creek, Texas the son of Juan Loya and Francisca Savedra Loya. He served in the United States Army Air Corp in the 1940s and after being honorably discharged, he moved to the Santa Anna area where he met and married the love of his life, Mary Tarango. He has been a resident of Abilene since 1945, and worked 10 years for the City of Abilene before going to work for AISD where he was employed until his retirement in 1980. After retirement, he was proud that he helped build the ACCESS Learning Center and continued to work there as long as his health would permit. Nat was a self taught musician and was a talented accordion, guitar and piano player.

He was an active member of the Gethsemani Spanish Assembly of God Church, a loving and caring husband and devoted father Tata, Grandfather, and friend to many. He could always be counted on to volunteer for any activities going on at the church and helping others in the community. He enjoyed leading prayer, music, and other activities at Sears Park Senior Citizens Center.

Survivors include his wife of 63 years, Mary Loya of Abilene; his children, Juan Loya and wife Marjorie of San Antonio, Samuel Loya and wife Josefina of Little Rock, Arkansas, Joel Loya of Abilene, Elisa Sosa and husband Israel of Amarillo, Mary Helen Clevenger and husband Don of Albany, and Stella Loya of Abilene; his brother, Pete Loya of Grand Prairie; his sister, Rosa Compos of Garland; 12 grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

His parents, a brother, Juan Loya and a daughter-in-law, Catalina Loya preceded him in death.

Visitation

Elmwood Funeral Home
5750 HWY 277 South
Abilene, TX  79606
Friday, August 29, 2008
6 to 7 PM

Service

Prayer Service

Elmwood Funeral Home Chapel
5750 HWY 277 South
Abilene, TX  79606
Friday, August 29, 2008
7:00 PM

Funeral Service

Gethsemani Spanish Assembly of God
2001 Park Ave
Abilene, TX  79603
Saturday, August 30, 2008
10:00 AM

Cemetery

Elmwood Memorial Park
5750 HWY 277 South
Abilene, TX  79606

Memorial Contributions

ACCESS Learning CenterH
2102 Ambler
Abilene, TX  79603

Gethsemani Spanish Assembly of God
2001 Park Ave
Abilene, TX  79603

Hendrick Hospice CareHa
PO Box 1922
Abilene, TX  79604