Fred Loya Sr., a prominent El Paso businessman and philanthropist renowned for building a national auto insurance empire and his spectacular, elaborate Christmas light displays, has passed away. His company confirmed his death, marking the end of an era for a man who left an indelible mark on the El Paso community and beyond.
Loya was a towering figure in El Paso’s business landscape. He transformed Fred Loya Insurance from a humble, one-person operation into one of the nation’s 20 largest Hispanic-owned companies. His journey from a small office to a national presence is a testament to his entrepreneurial spirit and dedication.
The statement from Fred Loya Insurance announced that Loya died peacefully on Saturday, February 21st, surrounded by his family. A private funeral service will be held for the Loya family. Perches Funeral Home also shared the news on Facebook on Sunday, February 22nd, acknowledging Loya’s “leadership and entrepreneurial vision that left a lasting impact on the El Paso community.”
The Dazzling Loya Christmas Lights: An El Paso Tradition
For two decades, the Loya family’s annual Christmas light show has been a cherished holiday tradition in the Borderland. This spectacular display, which gained national acclaim and was recognized as the best home holiday display in the nation on ABC’s “The Great Christmas Light Fight” in 2014, has become synonymous with the holiday season in El Paso.
The vibrant and joyful exhibition features over 450,000 lights meticulously synchronized to a festive mix of holiday tunes, classical melodies, and popular hits. Each year, thousands of spectators flock to the Loya residence on Paseo de Oro in East El Paso’s Montwood area to witness the dazzling spectacle nightly throughout the holiday season.
Reflecting on the origins of this beloved tradition in a 2017 interview with the El Paso Times, Loya shared, “We thought, well, why don’t we put on something for the people for everyone to enjoy. All the kids from one to 101. We thought of the light show and it just grew from there, you know. Now it’s bigger than all of us that put it together, originated it and thought it out. It’s really the family’s gift to the city of El Paso.”
Beyond his home display, Loya also collaborated with El Paso County to sponsor the Holiday Lights on the Lake Spectacular at Ascarate Park for two years, from 2022 to 2023, before returning to the annual home holiday show in 2024.
Championing El Paso’s Youth and Sports
Fred Loya Insurance has long been recognized for its extensive support of various sporting events, notably championship-level boxing and youth baseball. The Fred Loya Insurance Baseball Series has become a highlight for high school teams across the region, providing them with the opportunity to compete at Southwest University Park, the home of the El Paso Chihuahuas.
In recognition of his decades of dedication to baseball at all levels, including crucial fundraising efforts for local teams to renovate fields, acquire scoreboards, and enable more children to participate in the sport, Loya was inducted into the El Paso Baseball Hall of Fame in 2020.
“I’m honored to help the youth of El Paso and baseball is a noble sport,” Loya stated in 2020. “Baseball helps so many in different ways. El Paso has a long history of baseball excellence and I’m honored to be recognized and to be a part of a special group.”
The Growth of El Paso’s Fred Loya Insurance
Born in California in 1939 to immigrant parents, Fred Loya Sr. grew up with a strong work ethic, influenced by his father’s grocery store business. After completing his college education, Loya initially worked in bookkeeping and managed cattle for the family ranch.
The 1970s saw Loya emerge as one of the most successful agents for Farmer’s Insurance in El Paso. This success fueled his ambition to establish his own independent auto insurance venture. In 1974, he founded Loya Insurance Group, strategically focusing on serving low-income and underserved communities.
Starting with liability insurance in 1985, Fred Loya Insurance experienced remarkable expansion. It grew to employ thousands of individuals across 700 offices located within Walmart stores and supermarkets throughout Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, California, Colorado, Oklahoma, Alabama, Georgia, Ohio, and Illinois. Loya transitioned leadership of the company to his children in the early 2000s, continuing to serve as chairman emeritus. His significant contributions to the business world were further acknowledged when the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce named him the 2010 Hispanic Businessman of the Year.
A Statement from Fred Loya Insurance
Fred Loya Insurance released the following statement on Sunday:
“It is with profound sadness that we confirm the passing of Fred Loya, who passed peacefully on Saturday, surrounded by his loving family.
Fred was more than a business leader; he was a visionary, a mentor, and a pillar of the El Paso community. Through his leadership, generosity, and unwavering commitment to his employees and customers, he built not only a successful enterprise but a legacy that has impacted thousands of families throughout our region and beyond.
The Loya family will be holding private services.
During this deeply difficult time, the family respectfully asks for privacy as they grieve the loss of their beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend. While we understand the tremendous interest and the many lives he touched, we ask the community to honor the family’s wishes and allow them the space to mourn privately.
We are grateful for the outpouring of support, prayers, and condolences from the community. Fred’s legacy of hard work, faith, generosity, and dedication will continue to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing him.”
