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Lionel Alcantar Bazan was born on March 2, 1948 in Kingsville, TX to Elias and Nieves Bazan. Lionel had seven brothers and four sisters, whom he loved with all his heart. In 1964, the Bazan family moved to Joliet, IL where they resided for just a few months. They then relocated to Phoenix, AZ where Lionel, his father and brother got jobs at The Eaton Cattle Company. The family eventually settled in California in 1966. Lionel was proud to be a Vietnam Veteran. He served with honor from 1968-1970. Shortly after returning home, He married his first love San Juana Montalbo and started his family. Together they had four children. Lionel was blessed with 28 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren who he loved and was very proud to have. Lionel was loved by many people. You were always guaranteed to laugh and smile when talking to him. Conversations with him were truly the best. He enjoyed early morning fishing trips and was always prepared with warm breakfast burritos fresh off the motor of his truck. Lionel took pride in his Tejano Swag. He always looked sharp with his brim hats, shiny shoes and stylish vest. Dancing was his favorite thing to do and oh was he good at it. He taught anyone who was up for a lesson. Lionel was a wise man and gave advice to anyone that would listen. He tried to help whoever he could when he was able to. In addition to his four kids, Lionel had two fur babies, Peanut and Sissy. He adored them and gave them so much love and attention. Some would say “too much attention”. They went everywhere with Lionel and even required babysitters when Lionel was gone for the day. That is the kind of love Lionel gave to everyone. He really had a Heart of Gold. We will miss so much about Lionel. We will miss the random visits from him. The way he walked in our house and said “Helloooooo.” We will miss his “Good Morning Mija/Mijo” text and the random butt dials. We will miss his smell, and the way he would lean into us and tap on our knee when he had something to say. We will miss the way he told a story in his own, dramatic way. Lionel, you were a true blessing in our lives and you will forever be missed. Thank you for all the beautiful memories we will cherish them forever, until we meet again. Romans 8:18: “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.” Lionel is survived by his children, Lionel Bazan Jr., Israel Bazan Sr., and Maria Elena Gonzales. He is also survived by his siblings, Angelita Esquivel, Eddie Bazan, Adelita Aguilar, Elias Bazan Jr., Delia Pinedo, Hilda Bazan, Ramiro Bazan, Eloy Bazan, Oscar Bazan, Pedro Bazan and Joe Bazan. He is preceded in death by his parents Elias and Nieves Bazan; and his last love, Juanita Lopez.

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Lionel Alcantar Bazan

March 2, 1948 - January 10, 2023