Fred Loya Sr., the visionary entrepreneur who built Fred Loya Insurance into one of America's largest Hispanic-owned businesses, died peacefully on February 21 at age 85. The El Paso businessman transformed a single-person operation into a nationwide auto insurance powerhouse with 700 offices across eight states.

Loya's company grew from humble beginnings in 1974, when he started focusing on underserved low-income communities. By 2010, the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce recognized him as Hispanic Businessman of the Year. His insurance empire employed thousands and became a fixture in Walmart stores and supermarkets throughout the Southwest, generating hundreds of millions in annual revenue.

Beyond business, Loya created lasting community traditions, including a 20-year-old Christmas light display that drew thousands nightly and earned national recognition on ABC's "The Great Christmas Light Fight" in 2014. He also sponsored youth baseball programs and boxing events, earning induction into the El Paso Baseball Hall of Fame in 2020. His family announced private funeral services while requesting community privacy during their time of mourning.