Abalos in serious condition

The Odessa College Foundation has scheduled a blood drive in honor of Odessa lawyer Richard Abalos.
 The event with United Blood Services is scheduled from 9 a.m. to noon and 1 to 3 p.m. Wednesday at the OC Sports Center. An OC news release says that O-negative blood is in shortest supply. To schedule an appointment to donate, go online to www.bloodhero.com and enter code W1209.
Medical Center Hospital Executive Director of Communications/Marketing Anabel Spencer said Abalos, best known for his work with organizations like LULAC as well as his membership on the Odessa College board of trustees, was still in serious condition Tuesday.
Daughter Feliz Abalos said her father had an accident while riding a horse Saturday afternoon. He pulled back too hard on the reins, causing the horse to fall on top of him.
She said the doctors provided an update early Tuesday on Richard Abalos’ condition. She said he is still on a ventilator but doing roughly 60 percent of his own breathing.
“He’s doing much better today than even yesterday,” Feliz Abalos said.

RICHARD ABALOS
>> Richard Abalos is best known as being the first Hispanic lawyer in Odessa, coming to the city in the early 1970s after being drafted into the U.S. Army’s Judge Advocate General division.
>> He is or has been active in numerous community organizations including the Odessa College board of trustees, Pan American Golf Association, LULAC, Tejano Democrats and Hispanic Heritage. Former Gov. Mark White appointed Abalos to the Texas Youth Commission.