Agapito C. "Pico" Lara

Agapito C. “Pico” Lara was born on April 17, 1927, to Jose Lara and Manuela Castillo in the town he would cherish his entire life -New Braunfels, Texas. He left this world on December 21, 2025, at the remarkable age of 98, leaving behind a legacy built on love and loyalty. Closing a life rich in devotion, humor, and quiet strength. As a young boy, Pico attended the “Mexican School,” where he formed the roots of the resilience and humility that would define him. At 18, he answered the call to serve his country and joined the United States Army. He was proud to be a WWII veteran – part of a generation whose courage shaped the world. Even then, his heart stayed anchored to New Braunfels, the place he would always call home.

When he returned from the Army, with $300 in his pocket, enough to pay for a wedding, he asked Maria Magdalena ”Nena’; Campos, the hometown girl who became the love of his life, for her hand in marriage. They married on January I, 1947 at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, with a reception and dance at Comal Fairgrounds. That evening, at the end of the celebration with only $5.10 left, he had to pay the hall, leaving them only 10 cents. The following morning they bought two ice cream cones and literally started their married life with not a cent to their name. And that’s how their marriage began: not with riches, but with faith; not with certainty, but with devotion; not with money, but with a love so steady it carried them through every season that followed. It was the beginning of a love story that would span 72 beautiful years. She was his partner, his companion, his joy.

Pico worked briefly at the textile mill, but after missing work following his honeymoon, he moved on to a career that suited him far better. He joined Civil Service at Randolph AFB, where his natural gift with engines and machinery shined. Over 35 years, he rose to aircraft maintenance supervisor, a role he carried with pride, responsibility, and the steady hands of a man who could fix anything.

And truly – he could fix anything. Pico’s garage was always alive with the hum of lawn mowers, weed eaters, and neighbors stopping by for help or a quick visit. After retiring from Civil Service, he bought a lot on Merriweather Street and built Lara’s Small Engine Repair, the little shop where he became known around town as ”the Lawnmower Man.” He and Nena ran it side by side for years, creating a place filled with laughter, stories, and the simple joy of helping others.

Pico lived a full life- not loud or flashy, but rich in the ways that matter. He and Nena traveled to Mexico, Italy, Greece, and Hawaii, Canada, New England, collecting memories and adventures. Yet no matter how far he went, he always returned to his favorite place: his recliner at home, where he felt most at peace.

Their love endured until Nena’s passing in 2020, a bond that time could not weaken. Even after she was gone, Pico carried her with him – in his stories, in his routines, in the quiet moments when he sat in his recliner to reminisce.

He had an extraordinary gift for storytelling, captivating anyone who listened with vivid recollections of growing up in New Braunfels during the Great Depression and his unforgettable experiences as a medic in WWII.

Pico is preceded in death by his parents, Jose and Manuela Lara, wife, Maria Magdalena; brothers, Felix, Santiago, Jose Jr “Chepo” and Ramon; sisters, Louisa Aguirre and Dora Molina. He is survived by his five children, Sylvia Morales (Ruben Sanchez), Inna Lara, Dora Gonzales (Louis), Olga Lara, and Rene Lara (Grace Martinez); along with nine grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren. His family was his pride and his joy, the living legacy of a life well-loved and well lived.

We would like to thank the staff at Hope Hospice for their care and support. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hope Hospice.

A Visitation will be held on Tuesday, January 6, 2026 from 5:00pm – 8:00pm with a Rosary at 7:00pm at Lux Funeral Home in New Braunfels, Texas.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, January 7, 2026 at 10:00am at St. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in New Braunfels, Texas with the Interment to follow at Comal Cemetery in New Braunfels, Texas.