Emilio Jesus Aguilar

Emilio Jesus Aguilar, 90, of Rogers, Arkansas, passed away on Monday, May 21, 2018. He was born on June 11, 1927, in Potosi, Bolivia, to Emilio and Ana Aguilar. Emilio came to the United States in 1966 with his wife, young sons, and a baby on the way. He left a promising career in banking at Banco Popular Del Peru to provide a better education and more opportunity for his children. He settled in Houston, Texas, and got his first job baking bread at Mrs. Baird's Bakery. Then he went on to do accounting work at Accurate Bookkeeping. From there he worked at Southern National Bank. From 1969 to 1975, he and his wife, Violeta, owned and operated the Sam Houston Coffee Shop in downtown Houston. Later, the couple opened two delis and had a successful catering business featuring authentic Bolivian cuisine. Together they perfected their very popular Bolivian baked meat pie called a "salteña." Everything they did, Emilio and Violeta did as a team. Violeta, with her warmth and hospitality was the face of their team, but Emilio was the quiet, generous man behind her outgoing personality. They were very devoted to each other. Emilio was a very hard worker who instilled in his children a strong work ethic. He loved new cars, shoes, watches, and he was a very snappy dresser. He was a generous man with a caring heart and a sharp sense of humor. His passion was his family and he would do anything for them. He was always opening up his home to relatives and compatriots from Bolivia. His door was always open. He, along with Violeta, facilitated the immigration process for many people, offering them a place to stay for as long as they needed. He was a faithful husband, selfless father, and wonderful grandfather. He was an honorable man. He was preceded in death by his wife of 63 years, Violeta Aguilar, on November 28, 2017; his parents, Emilio and Ana Aguilar; his brothers, Luis and Alfonso; and his sisters, Dora and Marfa. He is survived by his children, Orlando Aguilar M.D. and wife, Laurie, Eduardo Aguilar and wife, Mary and Carmen Matinchev M.D. and husband, Borian Matinchev M.D.; eight grandchildren, Michael and wife, Allie, Libby and husband, Mark, Emily, Stephen, Luke and wife, Laura, Rory Michael, Cassie, and Laurel; three great-grandchildren, William, Abel, and Elliotte; his brothers, Carlos and Jaime; and a sister, Aurora. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, June 23rd, 2018 at 10 a.m. at Stockdale-Moody Funeral Services, 2898 West Walnut, Rogers, Ark. 72756 (479-631-1353) Graveside services to follow. Arrangements have been entrusted to Stockdale-Moody Funeral Services. Memories may be shared at stockdale-moodyfs.com.