By RAUL GARCIA JR | The Mercedes Enterprise

Alonzo O. Calvillo never hesitated in giving a helping hand.

And he spent long days and late hours on each and every one of his causes from helping organize the Veterans Parade, Prayer Breakfasts for the First Responders, to helping the local Cub Scouts group.

Calvillo, a life long resident of Mercedes, died at his home on July 5, of natural causes at the age of 70.

“He was a great person and he went out of his way to help others,” said Armando Saldana, Calvillo’s friend and martial arts instructor.

Calvillo earned his first degree black belt in Kajukenbo Karate in the mid 90s. He first started training and introduced the sport to his daughter Margaret and the two would go to class together under the instruction of Juan Valdivia. 

His true passion was organizing for the Sons of the American Legion Mercedes chapter where help many of the local Veterans, family of Veterans and students over the years. He held the Sons of the American Legion District 15 Commander position for more than a decade. 

Calvillo also served on the Mercedes City Commission (1992-95), served on the Planning & Zoning Commission (1996-2020), and served on the City’s Zoning Board of Adjustments (1996-2020).  

According to a release from the City of Mercedes,  the City recognizes and respects Mr. Calvillo for his constant service to others who needed a helping hand – service is always a trademark of spiritual strength.  Mr. Calvillo will always be remembered for his service to the City of Mercedes, and he will be greatly missed.

“He made an impression on many people,” Margaret Jo Calvillo  said, Calvillo’s daughter. “He had sympathy and was very humble. He was like a big brother and he was always there. He was very giving and he did a lot for Mercedes.”

He also was a founding member of the Mercedes Jaycees Mercedes Chapter and helped spearhead its initiatives over the years.

Margaret said the family is very appreciative of State Senator Eddie Lucio, Jr. and State Representative Eddie Lucio, III for honoring their father Alonzo O. Calvillo by giving them a Texas State Flag and a Certificate of Proclamation for his commitment to community services. 

Calvillo was laid to rest at the Mercedes Catholic Cemetery on July 10.

Honorary pallbearers for Calvillo were Lorenzo J. Calvillo, State Senator Eddie Lucio Jr, State Representative Armando Martinez and Hidalgo County Commissioner David Fuentes.

He is survived by his wife Maria Oralia Calvillo. His children Margaret Calvillo and David Hinojosa; Bethany and Eustacio Flores; Janet and David Carr;  Alonzo Calvillo Jr. and Brenda Calvillo. His grandchildren: Dereck Saenz, Breanna Trevino, David Carr, Dominic Carr, Lorenzo, Alisha and Aliviah Calvillo.