Obituary for Enrique Avila

Enrique Avila

July 15, 1958 – September 14, 2021

Today, family and friends gather to remember Enrique Avila Atencio. A kind and generous husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather; a man who shared his giving heart and warm smile with everyone he met.

Enrique was born in Caimanera, Cuba on July 15, 1958. He was born to Felipe Avila Hernandez and Mercedes Atencio Rodriguez, who preceded him in death, and is survived by his brother Pedro Avila. It is in his parents’ home that Enrique learned the importance of a strong family, love, and hard work. Enrique came to the United States in 1975. He told his story like this, “I went to school after summer ended and they told me I had to shave my beard, so instead, that night, I got out of there.” “Out of there” meant a late-night trip through the minefields, a short swim across the bay to a US military base, and pray you make it out. Well, he did! Enrique wanted to build a family and have opportunities to provide for his family and this day was the beginning of that dream. It was the Christmas of 1980 in New Orleans that Enrique said he received his Christmas gift from God, a family. He took in Irma and her 3 young boys, Gabriel, Mark, and Michael. As a family, they moved to Wichita, KS in 1982 and quickly after they settled in Ponca City. With the help of Irma’s family, Enrique was able to start a restaurant. This business was his heart. It gave him such joy to have this opportunity to serve his community and provide a life for his family. Enrique and Irma welcomed their only daughter, Mercedes, in 1983. Enrique enjoyed his days serving his customers and traveling with his family. He was a Christian man who served God first. He loved to go for long drives, take care of his beautiful flowers, and spend time with his family swimming and fishing. The love he shared with his family was the greatest gift he left behind. His love carried them through difficult times and good times, until his last breath. Countless people will miss him and all will forever remember the legacy of love he leaves behind.

Arrangements are under the direction of Trout Funeral Home & Crematory, 505 W Grand Ave, Ponca City, OK 74601.

Viewing
Friday, October 01, 2021 2:00PM – 7:00PM
Trout Funeral Home & Crematory
505 W. Grand Ave.
Ponca City, OK 74601

Funeral Ceremony
Saturday, October 02, 2021 10:00AM
First Assembly of God
2313 E Prospect Ave
Ponca City, OK 74604

Source: Trout Funeral Home