Cleto Elequin, Jr. of Austin, Texas passed away suddenly on January 19, 2012. He was born to Cleto and Enriquena Elequin in Antique, Philippines on October 18, 1933. He moved to the United States in 1957 to complete his medical training. He became a naturalized citizen on May 1, 1963, and he was always proud of this accomplishment.
Cleto graduated from Far Eastern University in April of 1957 with a Doctor of Medicine. He served as an intern at Good Samaritan Hospital in Lexington, Kentucky, where he met and married Nancy Rebecca Johnson in 1959. He completed his residency in psychiatry at Danville State Hospital and Delaware State Hospital in 1963. He and his family returned to Lexington where he was named the Superintendent of Eastern State Hospital in 1964. In 1971, they moved to Pecos, Texas where he opened a family practice. He then accepted a position as Deputy Commissioner of MHMR for the state of Texas, and his family relocated to Austin in 1973. He later opened a family practice in Austin.
During his retirement, he volunteered his services as a psychiatrist and physician through many venues. He also spent years researching holistic medicine and was in the process of opening his own medical practice dedicated to treating the whole patient with a balance of natural remedies and traditional medicine.
Cleto was a member of the Travis County Medical Society, the Texas Medical Association, the American Medical Association, and the American Academy of Family Practice.
Cleto was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Nancy Rebecca Johnson, his son, Kyle Thomas Elequin, his sisters, Eleanor, Alice, and Marilyn. He is survived by his daughter, Tracy Lee Bertch and her husband, Mike, his son, Stuart Scott Elequin and his wife, Melonie, and his grandchildren, Shawn Michael Elequin, Audrey Rebecca Elequin, Nathaniel Scott Elequin, and Mitchell Thomas Elequin. He is also survived by his sisters, Babet, Lillian, and Baby, as well as his sister-in-law, JoAnn Flowers and her husband, John.
Cleto will always be remembered as a mentor and a friend. He was a voracious reader and always willing to share his knowledge with others. He was supportive and had a great laugh. He was energetic throughout his life, and he will be greatly missed.
A Celebration of Life Service is set for Saturday, February 4, 2012 at Hays Hills Baptist Church, 1401 N. FM 1626 in Buda, TX at 2 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family would like contributions to be made in Cleto’s memory to a charity of your choice.
Condolences may be made at www.cookwaldenforestoaks.com.
