Devoted Onez Car Club Hosts First Annual Picnic and Car Show

Many remember San Angeloan Ray Rangel Sr. as the beloved 'shop' teacher from the old Edison Junior High School from back in the day. Rangel has positively influenced many youth in his career, and one in particular took his teachings to heart starting his own lucrative business locally. Tito Reyes is the proud owner of The Original Lone Star Collision at 1308 Pulliam St., and has been serving San Angelo and surrounding cities for 20 years doing auto body and repair. 

As a child, Reyes remembered times were not always easy.

"My brother Osvaldo and I were raised by our mother, an incredibly strong woman, but the household lacked a strong male influence without a father figure. She made sure we had everything we needed and is the reason for our strong morals, values, and ethics when it comes to being there for our kids now that we are fathers. The way I see it, some people blame their poor choices in life on absent parents where I find strength and deal with life as it comes at me. We all have choices and mine is to succeed as there are no limits." 

Around the age of nine, Reyes, his brother and a group of friends developed an interest in souping up bicycles.  

"I remember trying to work with 'bondo' and the attempts at painting our bikes. As a teen, I volunteered to sweep floors and clean up at local auto body shops just to learn the craft. It's not like today where everyone expects to be paid; I really wanted to learn and was willing to help for free. Now, I am able to teach others, and it's a good feeling to stand back and look at my accomplishments as well as see them take pride in their work." 

 
As an adult, Reyes would buy older cars here and there or work on other people's rides, and, as a result, a love for restoring classic cars ensued.

He stated, "I've lived in San Angelo all my life and people would just hear about my work and come to me. Back then, I really had no concept of what to charge as I was just enjoying what I did.  As a matter of fact, Mr Rangel was my first paying customer, which kind of got things going back then."

Many enthusiasts remember "Titos' Customs" downtown in the early 2000's. Over time, as business expanded, he needed more space to accommodate more customers and started working on all kinds of vehicles. He has since moved to Pulliam Street in a large warehouse facility, and has built quite the clientele over the years.

"To this day, I don't even really have to advertise," said Reyes.

Along with the evolution of the business, the brothers decided to have a little fun on the side with their works of art establishing their own car club around a decade ago. 'Devoted Onez' is perhaps the most appropriate name for the organization, for the amount of time, patience, dedication and skill it takes to devote to this mastery is oftentimes more a lifestyle.

As a way to showcase some of their works and invite the community to participate, and to show off their own cars, the 'Devoted Onez" car club will host 'The First Annual Picnic' event this Saturday, August 13.

"It's a way for families to get out of the house, see some nice cars and have some fun. Several vendors have contacted me wanting to set up, but for the most part, the event is free. Anyone and everyone can bring out their rides, and we welcome anything from the classics to Pedal Cars, bicycles, motorcycles and trucks. Several local business have donated prizes for the contenders in a variety of contests, and we're hoping to have a good turnout," said Reyes.

The event will take place at Producers Park, 1805 Ricks Drive. All are encouraged to bring their own grills, canopies and lawn chairs. 'Move in' is from 8 a.m. to noon, and the picnic will run from noon to 5 p.m..

For more information on the event, contact Tito Reyes via Facebook at 'The Original Lone Star Collision,' go by the shop, or call (325) 262-8554.