Edward Azar

Edward Azar February 25, 1926 – November 28, 2014 Edward Azar, 88, lifelong El Pasoan, devoted husband, father, and grandfather, passed away peacefully on November 28th surrounded by his family. Ed was married for 59 years to his loving wife Marian. He is survived by Marian, daughter Chana and her husband Bill Burton, and their children Robert (Beto) and Andrew, and step-grandchildren Jennifer, Trey, and Sarah; daughter Edie and her fiancée John Skotchdopole; son Edward Jr. and his son, Jack; daughter Gena and her children Rachel and Luke; son Anthony and his wife Paula (Scott) and their sons Jason, John, and Austin; twin brother Phillip and sister Nini. Ed graduated from Austin High School and attended Texas A&M before leaving to serve in the U.S. Air Force in France during WWII. After the war, Ed returned to El Paso and completed his studies at Texas Western College (UTEP) and joined his brothers in the nut business. For over 50 years he was a driving force behind Azar Nut Company, founded by his father in 1927 and headquartered in El Paso. He and his brothers, Shibley, Jr. and Phillip, built Azar Nut Company into the 3rd-largest nut company in the nation. A tireless entrepreneur, Ed enjoyed his involvement in a variety of business ventures. An avid tennis player and fisherman, Ed loved the outdoors and traveling. He and Marian travelled extensively. Ed served his community throughout his life on numerous boards and civic organizations, which included his work as a senior member of the MD Anderson Board of Visitors. The family would like to express sincerest appreciation and gratitude to “Big Ed’s” many caregivers, Ana, Ashley, Elizabeth, Erica, Jennifer, Lorena, Nancy, Rosemarie, and Toni. Their love and care will always be remembered and appreciated. Services will be held at St. Francis Anglican Cathedral Church at 470 Eagle Drive, El Paso, on Monday, December 1, at 11:00 a.m. Bishop Felix Orji will officiate. Internment will be at Ft. Bliss National Cemetery at a later date. Pallbearers will be Ed's granddaughter Rachel and grandsons, Beto, Andrew, Jack, Jason, John, Luke, and Austin. Honorary pallbearers will be Phil Azar, Jr., Sam Guido, Carlos Ortega, Bob Hoy, Jim Dick, Bobby Goldfarb, Irma Hyde, and in memoriam Chuck Luciano and Gordon McGee, M.D. In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to: St. Francis Anglican Cathedral Church (Mission and Outreach) El Paso, or The Rescue Mission of El Paso. Services entrusted to Sunset Funeral Home-West. Please visit our online register book at: www.sunsetfuneralhomes.net