Albert Joe Lovato

SSG Albert Joe Lovato passed away at the age of 77, to be with the Lord and Savior on December 17, 2025. Born in small town Lyman, Nebraska to farmers Lloyd and Ruby Lovato.

A devoted patriot to his country, Albert joined the Army after High School in 1968 and served in the Vietnam War from 1969 to 1970. Albert was in the U.S. Army Reserves for 20 years when he was activated for Desert Storm, Enduring Freedom, and Iraqi Freedom. Albert was also an active member of the 238th Maintenance Association, where he helped with the company fundraisers and volunteered his time when available. Albert has been awarded the Army Commendation Medal with Combat Distinguishing Device “V”, Army Commendation Medal (3), Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal (4), National Defense Medal (2), and Vietnam Service Medal with 3 Bronze Service Stars for his time services and was honorable discharged in 2003.

Albert managed Pizza Hut in Hondo, TX, Marlin, TX, and in Nebraska. Ultimately landing in Schertz, Texas. After retiring from Pizza Hut, he proudly started working for SCUC ISD for over 20 years. Spending many late nights working the gates at all the student events, Albert made an impact with both Students and Staff. Albert was a proud Samuel Clemens HS Buffalo and took pride in painting the field for Friday Night Lights. Even after retiring, he would still volunteer his time to help when he could.

Albert was best known for this incredible sense of humor and his deep love for his family and friends. Albert enjoyed retirement spending time with family and countless friends. Albert loved going to church and attending men’s group meetings. Albert adored his grandchildren and enjoyed attending college football games, high school football games and his grandchildren’s events. Albert loved working on cars, home remodeling, weekend garage sales and gardening.

Albert’s legacy is one of humor, generosity and willingness to help others. His family could not have asked for a better father, grandfather, brother, friend or son. He will forever live on in their hearts.

Albert is survived by his siblings Rumaldo Lovato, Mary Carabajal, Viola Lovato, Tony Lovato, Rosie Petty, and Lloyd Lovato. He was preceded in death by his parents Lloyd and Ruby Lovato, and his siblings Clyde Lovato, Frank Lovato, Irene Dietrick, Annie Buccholz, and Virginia Patlan.

Albert was a proud father and survived by his daughters Tina Sanchez (Ruben) and Nina Lovato-Rangel (Isidro) and step-children Stephanie Ingram, Thelma Erskine (Joseph), and Sonny Leyva (Ayako) and Annette Wagner (Stephen). He adored his grandchildren Amarisa, Ruby, Mattie, Benjamin, Elijah, Bailey, Taylor, Rey, Hannah, Katherine, Jesse and Great-Grandchildren Zaeden, Marina, Eleanor, Natalie, Orion. He treasured every moment with his grandchildren and proudly shared his love of country with those grandchildren who are now also serving.

A Rosary will be held on January 4, 2026, at 6:00pm at Schertz Funeral Home. Funeral services will take place on January 5, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at Schertz Funeral Home, followed by interment at Fort Sam Houston Cemetery at 2:45 p.m.