Surrounded by family, Mr. Rangel died unexpectedly four days after celebrating his 82nd birthday. Born in Deming, New Mexico to the late Esteban and Juana Rangel, he was the oldest of seven children. When he was two years old, the family returned to Guanajuato, Mexico. At the young age of 15, he and his younger brother(Dionicio) came to the United States to seek a better life. Six years later, he returned to Mexico, where he met and married his wife of 57 years, Francisca. After birth of the first child, he moved his young family to California, and settled at the DiGiorgio Labor Camp. In 1968, he moved the family to Arvin, California, where he would live out the remainder of his life. Guadalupe worked as a farm laborer and was last employed by El Rancho Farms. Active in numerous organizations, he participated in the United Farm Worker Movement, marching alongside the late Cesar Chavez; he was a founding and active member of the Sociedad Progresista Mexicana #20 and the Comite Mexicano de Benefiencia #6. He loved to learn new things and languages. He was a self taught mechanic and took pride in his automotive repairs. Speaking Spanish, English and even Arabic was a proud accomplishment of his. In his later years he enjoyed gardening, reading the Bible, spending time withh his grandchildren and watching Westerns, Martial Arts and historical movies. Two of his most memorable experiences were touring the Gettysburg Civil War battlegrounds with his daughter Lupe and visiting his birth state of New Mexico with his daughter Rosa. He was a talented musician playing the harmonica and guitar. He could play a tune by ear. Known as a stern man in his younger years, age and grandchildren melted his heart and brought the family closer together. Mr. Rangel is preceded in death by his parents, younger brothers Luis and Dionicio. He is survived by his loving wife, Francisca (Panchita); five children and their spouses, Jose Luis (Margie), Lupe Nabavi (Mehdi), Roberto (Vickie), Rosa Hernandez (Joe), Alma Kumar(Suresh); his beloved grandchildren, Jose Luis Jr, Andrea, Lisa, Allison, Brittany, Roberto Jr., Natalie, Nicholas and Raja; and great-grandchildren, Anthony, Cameron and Quentin. Visitation and Rosary will be held on Tuesday, August 16, 2011, at Arvin Funeral Home, 600 Tucker St. Arvin, CA. from 4:00 to 8:00pm. Rosary will be recited at 6:00pm. Mass will be held on Wednesday, August 17, 2011, at 11:00a.m. at St. Thomas Catholic Church in Arvin, CA. Interment to follow at South Kern Cemetery. A celebration of life will immediately follow at St. Thomas Catholic Church Reception Hall in Arvin on Bear Mtn. Blvd. Dad (Abuelito), thank you for being our first teacher. We will never forget the lifelong lessons you taught us.