Born in a cotton field on March 14, 1940, in Smiley, Texas, to Lorenzo and Guadalupe Anzaldua. Aaron Longoria Anzaldua Sr., better known as Pops, went to his Heavenly Home, peacefully, surrounded by family, on January 15, 2026, in Groesbeck, Texas.

Aaron had 9 brothers and 11 sisters; he began working in the cotton fields at the tender age of 8. The Anzaldua Family knew the value of hard work, growing up and working side by side in the cotton fields. Aaron loved to boast that he and his sister Tilley were the two fastest at picking cotton. The other siblings could never catch up with them.

One of Aaron’s favorite hobbies growing up, when he wasn’t picking cotton, was to train and work with his beloved coon dogs, especially the black and tan colored coon dogs. He and his dogs won many trophies for their Coon Hunting expertise.

As he grew into a young man, Aaron’s love of horses became a lifetime commitment of hard work but much joy; certainly different and much more enjoyable than picking cotton. He especially loved training racehorses and watching them win many races. Aaron passed his love of horses down to Aaron Jr., who loves working with his horses and roping.

Aaron will always be remembered for the saying he often gave to his children and loved ones when they asked him for advice: “Columbus took a chance and he made it!” He lived life to the fullest and enjoyed country western music. Aaron loved to reminisce about dancing the night away with Elva.

Pops was a man of faith; he always proudly wore a cross on a gold chain, given to him by his son, Aaron Jr., 31 years ago. While he grew up as a Catholic as a child, he found peace and grace in his personal relationship with Jesus Christ throughout his adult years. He did not hesitate to let you know that he Loved Jesus Christ and that he was looking forward to being in the arms of Jesus in Heaven.

Aaron is survived by the mother of his two children, Elva Saldana; daughter/SIL Tracy and Anthony Mendoza; son/DIL Brandy and Aaron Anzaldua Jr., as well as Beatrice Stanley and Tiger Zapata; brother/SIL Fidencio and Ofelia Anzaldua; numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Services will be held at the Groesbeck Funeral Home on Saturday, January 24, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. Private, family graveside to be held at a later date in Yorktown, Texas.