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Stevan Simon Aguilar, musician and beloved husband, son, brother, and uncle, passed away on Sunday, September 11, 2022, while surrounded by his loved ones in Sugar Land, Texas. He was age 57. Stevan was born on September 16, 1964, in Lubbock, Texas, eldest son of Manuel Aguilar Jr. and Lillie Aguilar. Stevan was predeceased by his father Manuel Aguilar Jr.
Steve was first and foremost a musician, dedicated husband and devoted uncle. He loved music and its connection to life which brought him true joy -- from listening to music to playing musical riffs he taught himself on guitar or piano. He relished any time with the love of his life, Noemi. He savored family time, especially with his nieces and nephews across Texas and Colorado.
A true West Texan, Steve showed true grit in all he accomplished and was a natural athlete and musician. As a child, he played baseball for the Northwest Little League in Lubbock, Texas, beginning at five years old, rising in the baseball ranks as a star pitcher and first baseman through high school. A multi-sport athlete, he began football at RW Matthews Junior High School, ultimately dedicating time solely to football at Lubbock High School as a defensive lineman. He graduated in 1982 from Lubbock High School -- "Once a Westerner, always a Westerner".
As a young child, Steve could repeat music patterns as easily as he could derive math equations given his incredible intelligence and heartfelt passion for music. He played the tuba since the 7th grade, winning numerous awards and music competitions, eventually playing for the “Goin’ Band” from Raiderland during his time as a music major at Texas Tech University. He taught himself drums and piano, and guitar.
Inspired by West Texas artists and guitarists such as Stevie Ray Vaugh and Buddy Holly, he was once given a few lessons as a child for guitar and taught himself to later become a masterful guitarist and musician. You could find him strumming an acoustic or electric guitar or playing along with his family in jam sessions.
He was a kind and patient teacher always looking out for the best interests of his family, especially his nieces and nephews. He was always willing to give advice and pushing them to do better or even doing science experiments. He was generous with time and resources, always making family first.
On July 24, 1999, he married the love of his life Noemi Aguirre Aguilar in a beautiful apple orchard in Lubbock, Texas. He met Noemi while working together at Blackmon Mooring in Houston, with their first date held at an outdoor food and music festival on Westheimer in Houston. They married a few years later, ultimately settling in the Houston area. They enjoyed a savory life together cooking, hiking, and traveling to visit family across the West and Mexico. He loved to grill and cook, and especially loved hosting family at Thanksgiving, and other holidays as quite the holiday host. He and Noemi loved any adventure that involved time together. He loved football Saturdays with Texas Tech, and he was devoted to Sundays when cheering on America’s Team, the Dallas Cowboys.
He is survived by: his wife of 23 years, Noemi (Aguirre) Aguilar of Sugar Land; mother Lillie Aguilar of Lubbock, brother Jaime Aguilar and wife Jamie Torres of Denver; sister Timi Aguilar and husband Robert Merkle of Castle Pines, Colo.; sister Annikka Hernandez and husband Ramiro of Lubbock; thirty nieces and nephews including those to which he was closest Analissa, Timothy and Michael Merkle of Castle Pines, Colo,; Jeremiah and Jazmynn Hernandez of Lubbock, and Marlene, Frank and Angel Morales of Houston.
Visitation will be from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 15, at Unity Funeral Home, 7730 Boone Road, in Houston, Texas.
Services and the Catholic burial of cremated remains will be held in the coming week in his hometown of Lubbock, Texas, home of great musicians and those with a legacy of talent, including Steve Aguilar.
Friday, September 30, 2022
7 pm Rosary will be held at Home of Annikka & Chachie Hernandez
Saturday, October 1, 2022
10:00 am Mass followed by internment at Cemetery
St. Elizabeth’s Catholic Church
2316 Broadway St
Peaceful Gardens Memorial Park
15602 TX-493 Loop, Lubbock, TX 79423
Lunch/Memorial Service:
Hanley Hall at St. Elizabeth’s - Hanley Hall
Unity Funeral Homes gives the family and friends of Stevan Simon Aguilar our deepest condolences at this difficult time.
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