'More than an abuelo': Walle honors late grandfather

On Aug. 22, Texas State Rep. Armando Walle (D-Houston) announced the passing of his grandfather, Armando Arias Zamarripa.

"Learned my work ethic and hustle from my abuelo who was more than an abuelo," Walle wrote in an Aug. 23 Twitter post. "Saw in his welding shop how he treated people with honesty. He didn’t BS people. Hand shake was his word."

Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner also took to Twitter to offer his condolences and well wishes for Walle and his family.

"Tonight, I am saying an extra prayer for #txlege @RepWalle and his family for the loss of Armando Arias Zamarripa," Turner wrote in an Aug. 22 Twitter post. "I had the pleasure to meet Mr. Zamarripa, who they called “Pops,” back at the last crawfish bash held in March of 2020. May God bring comfort during this time."

According to Walle, his abuelo was born on Feb. 6, 1930 in San Angelo, Texas. A former steelworker and welder, he eventually had his own shop, Big Z Burglar Bars on Downs Lane.

"He is survived by his daughters, sons, grandchildren, brothers and many family and friends who loved him," Walle wrote in an Aug. 22 Twitter post. "Pops has transitioned and will soon be with our grandmother Palemonica Augustina Zamarripa. His celebration of life arrangements will be provided soon."

Funeral services for Zamarripa will be held on Saturday Aug. 28, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Compean Funeral Home, 2102 Broadway Blvd., Houston, Texas 77012, according to an Aug. 25 Facebook post by Walle.