Dates
Aurelio Levario Pando, 87, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, June 13, 2026.
Aurelio was born on November 12, 1938, in Barranco Azul, Chihuahua, Mexico, to Juan José Pando and Bibiana Levario.
He spent many years working as a welder and was known for his exceptional work ethic, loyalty, and creativity. His journey to the United States began in 1959 through the Bracero Program (1942-1964), a labor agreement between Mexico and the United States. During his second contract in 1961, he met cattleman Gene Newman. Recognizing Aurelio's character, determination, and strong work ethic, Mr. Newman sponsored him to remain in the United States permanently, and he eventually settled in Texas.
After years in the ranching industry, Aurelio moved to San Angelo and began his welding career with Western Iron Works. There, he earned a reputation for excellence in his craft before retiring in 2003. During this time, he married and raised a family while continuing to work part-time for Mr. Newman.
Aurelio had a deep love for music and often filled family gatherings with the sound of his guitar and singing. He enjoyed training and riding horses, participating in jaripeos (Mexican rodeos), and proudly riding his beloved horse, Lobo, in local parades. In his later years, he found great joy in transforming raw metal into intricate ironwork, showcasing the creativity and skill that defined much of his life. Above all, he cherished time with his family. He loved reminiscing with his brothers and sharing stories of family history and the good old days.
Aurelio is survived by his daughters, Susana White and husband David of Cleburne, and Sandra Pando of San Angelo; his son, Aurelio Pando, Jr. and wife Maria of Burleson; 10 grandchildren; and 16 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brothers, Moises Pando of Odessa, Eulogio Pando of Presidio, and Emilio Pando of Yuma, Arizona; his sisters, Andrea Guardiola of Adrian, and Eunice Brassfield of Platte City, Missouri; many beloved nieces and nephews; and dear friends Fernando "Chicho" Rentería and Oralia Pando.
He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings: Florentino, Marcelino, Victorio, José, Julián, Ramona, Severa, Catalina, Ernestina, Elisa, and Hermila Pando.
Those who knew Aurelio will remember him as a man of quiet strength, remarkable perseverance, and deep devotion to his family. His life was a testament to hard work, gratitude, kindness, and humility, and his legacy lives on through the generations he loved so dearly.
Prayer service will be 1:00 PM Saturday, June 20, 2026, at Robert Massie Funeral Home in San Angelo.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Pyruvate Kinase Deficiency International Alliance (PKDIA), 741 Glengary Rd, Wolverine Lake, MI 48390 in honor of his great-grandchildren, Elyse and Spencer Copeland.
Special thanks to the staff of Hospice of San Angelo: Rusty, Laura, Diana, and Isabel.
Our dad will be deeply missed and forever cherished.
"Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me." - Psalm 23:4