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08/12/2019 - Coalinga, CA, USA

Peter Frank Jaurena passed away on August 12th, 2019.

He was the second son of Estaban Manuel and Leona (Ayarbe) Jaurena and was born December 23, 1930 in Coalinga California.

He was raised until 8 years old in Coalinga, when he moved to live with his aunt and uncle in Madera California after the passing of his mother.

He returned to Coalinga a few years later and was a graduate of Coalinga High School.

Pete attended Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo until the outbreak of the Korean War when he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps December 1950. After training in tanks, he deployed to Korea in October of 1952 until December of 1953. He participated in numerous engagements at OP Reno on the Nevada line and was posted at the Freedom Bridge to protect the exchange of US Prisoners of War. He was honorably discharged with the rank of Sergeant in December 1953.

He reenrolled on the GI Bill at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Science.

He returned to Coalinga and married the love of his life Mary Francis Henry in December of 1954. During this time, along with his older brother Steve, they established Jaurena Brothers, a sheep business, following in their father's footsteps of the longtime Coalinga business, Crescent Meat Company.

During the 30 plus years in the sheep business, they went on to be founding members of the Western Range Association, the agency responsible for the contracting of Basque sheepherders from Spain. Pete served on the Board of Directors and as well as served terms as the President of the organization.

After selling Jaurena Bros during the 1980's, Pete and Mary went on to spend time at Pismo Beach and to enjoy time with family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his beloved Mary and his brother Steve. He is survived by his three sons, Mitchell, Gregory and Mike and numerous grand and great grandchildren.

Services will be held March 28 at 10:30 AM at Faith Fellowship 450 W. Elm Coalinga with graveside Honors at 12:00 PM at Pleasant Valley Cemetery, 40054 Calaveras Ave Coalinga. Lunch will immediately follow graveside honors at the Elks Lodge located at 200 Cambridge Ave Coalinga.

The family requests donations be made in the names of Pete and Mary Jaurena to Faith Fellowship Church in lieu of flowers or plants.

(obituary published in the Fresno Bee, Legacy.com on March 1, 2020)