San Diego, Texas – Gilberto L. “Hawk” Aguilar 75 years of age passed away peacefully after a long illness surrounded by his loving family. Gilberto was an automobile parts and service man for many years where he later retired from it. He was an avid Dallas Cowboys fan. He was a longtime musician and was inducted into the “Tejano Roots Hall of Fame”. He loved BBQing, dancing with his wife, and loved spending time with his loving family. Gilberto will be dearly missed by all who knew him.

Gilberto is preceded in death by his parents, Francisco and Lina Aguilar; brother, Franscisco Aguilar Jr.; three sisters, Delia Coronado, Diana Aguilar, and Dalia Richardson.

Survived by his wife of 52 years, Edna A. Aguilar; two sons, Gilbert Luis (Afrika Cantu) Aguilar, Leo N. (Priscilla Gonzalez) Aguilar; two daughters, Tanya E. (Ruben) Rivadeneyra, Judith Mae Aguilar; daughter in law, Nancy Ruiz Aguilar; three brothers, Juan (Delfina†) Aguilar, Pedro (Rosario) Aguilar, Hector (Maggie) Chapa; eight grandchildren, Sirrena, Cristian, Sofia, Samara, Jacob, Joseph, Joshua, Emma; two great-grandchildren, Kylie, Rylie; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.

Visitation will begin on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. at Mauro P. Garcia Funeral Home Chapel in San Diego, Texas with a Rosary to be recited 11:00 a.m. All services will conclude that morning.
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Mauro P. Garcia Funeral Homes, Inc. entrusted with the arrangements.

​San Diego- A loving mother, grandmother, and great grandmother, Maria G. Bazan 71
years of age passed on March 10, 2025, in an Alice hospital surrounded by her loving
family. She was the heart of our home and family. She was a homemaker who enjoyed
playing Bingo and Chalupa. Cooking for her family and all those who knew her, that was
a thing for Maria. She was always a helpful hand to all those who had the pleasure of
her presence. But most of all she enjoyed her time with her grandkids and her grand Fur
babies.
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She was preceded in death by her father Juventino Gamez Sr., one son Ramiro Contreras, one grandson SC3, a loving uncle Paulino Gamez and a loving aunt Isabel Gamez. Maria was the heart of our home and family.

She is survived by her lifelong partner Elmo Bazan. She raised wonderful children, two sons, Silverio (Olga) Contreras, Roman (Esmeralda) Contreras, three daughters, Rosalinda (Ruben) Moya, Evelyn (Vicente) Morin, Emily (D.J. Saenz) Bazan, and other children she raised, her Mother, Cruzita Lara, three brothers, Juan (Martha) Gamez, Juventino (Diana) Gamez Jr., Noe (Angie) Gamez, three sisters, Josephina (Miguel) Garcia, Elena Gamez, and Linda (Ron) Engren, and other brothers and sisters. Numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Active Pallbearers, Adam M. Contreras, Joseph B. Contreras, T.J. Gomez, D.J. Saenz,
Ruben Moya, and Vicente Morin III. Honorary Pallbearers; ILiss J. Saenz and Angelo S.
Contreras.

Visitation will begin on Monday, March 17, 2025, at 9a.m. at Mauro P. Garcia
Funeral Home Chapel in San Diego with a Rosary to be recited at 11a.m. Funeral Mass
to be celebrated at 12:30 p.m. at St. Francis de Paula Catholic Church. Burial to follow
at the San Diego #2, San Diego.

Mauro P. Garcia Funeral Homes, Inc. 

Alice, Texas - Elisa Pereida, 89 years old passed Friday, Mach 7, 2025 peacefully surrounded by her loving family after a long illness. She was a devoted parishioner at her church. She enjoyed gathering with her family and friends. Elisa loved singing and hearing gospel music and was also a greeter at the nursing home and made many new friends.
 
Preceded in death by her parents, Casimiro Pereida, Sr. and Rafaela Garza Pereida; one brother, Casimiro Pereida; Jr. and two sisters, Dominga Garcia and Maria Torres.
 
She is survived by her two special nephews, Ruben (Belinda) Serna, Jr. and Serapio Garcia; a special niece, Elisa (Wendt) Serna, and numerous nieces and nephews.
 
Visitation will begin on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, at 9 a.m. with a Prayer Service at 10:00 a.m. at Mauro P. Garcia Funeral Home Chapel in Alice. Burial will follow at the New Collins Cemetery.
 
Mauro P. Garcia Funeral Homes, Inc. entrusted with arrangements.

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​Celebrating the Life of William V. “Bill” Creager, Jr.
July 3, 1934 – March 2, 2025

With gratitude and love, we celebrate the remarkable life of William “Bill” Creager, Jr. our beloved patriarch, who passed away peacefully after a short illness on Sunday, March 2, 2025, at the age of 90. His love for his family and devotion to his country were unwavering.

Preceding him in death are his mother, Manuela Mendoza, sister Rosie Mendoza-Gonzalez, brother, Morris Mendoza, His Aunt/Mother, Cirilda Cardenas, two sons-in-law, Mauro P. Garcia, Jr. and Bernardo (Ben) Mendoza, and great-great-grandson, Tristan Matthew Soliz.

A retired & decorated U.S. Army Green Beret, 1st Sergeant Creager retired as a U.S. Civil Servant. He was a master paratrooper and had 120+ recorded jumps out of military aircraft.

Not only was he a true American patriot, but he was also a music man and an honorary member of the Roger Creager Band, traveling far and wide, singing his iconic Spanish song “Rancho Grande” to the masses. His vibrance and luster for life was undeniable, especially on stage. He performed at notable places such as Billy Bob’s, Gruene Hall, Cabo Fest in Cabo San Lucas, and Music Fest in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. His music spanned from California to Chicago to New York, as well as the legendary Grand Ole Opry in Nashville. His final time on stage was just after midnight on New Year's Eve.

His family was his greatest shining treasure. He swelled with pride sharing stories about his children and his many grandchildren. He leaves behind 6 children, Betty Lou Garcia (Pat Rogers), JoAnn Creager Mendoza (Joe Salaiz), Roy (Celeste) Creager, Roger (Chelsey) Creager, Kathy Creager, Randy Creager. One sister, Mary Creager-Rangel, one brother, Alfredo Cardenas, sisters-in-law, Ruth (Carlos) Salinas, and Alma Mendoza, brother-in-law, Roy Gonzalez, 15 grandchildren, Edith Trevino (Juan Salinas), Norma (Alfred) Soliz, Margo (Morris) Molina, Michael (Venessa) Garcia, Melissa (Joe) Elliott, Ruben (Kalen) Perez, Felicia (Rene) Gonzalez, Vanessa Torres, Morgan (Kort) Marley, Mason (Maegan) Creager, Rowan Jones, Audrey Creager, Ruby Creager, Ryan (Brittney) Creager, Caitlin Creager, (Adan Hayakahua), 34 great-grandchildren, 17 great-great grandchildren, and many cousins, nieces and nephews he loved dearly.

One could say that Bill had a deep wanderlust, traveling across land & sea to experience life to the fullest. In true Hemingway fashion, he attended the famous running-with-the-bulls event at the San Fermin festival in Pamplona, Spain. Also, an adept skier, he spent a lot of time on the mountains in Utah & Colorado. He visited all 50 states, and he proudly saluted General Patton’s grave in Luxembourg. Bill lived an active lifestyle and ran 5 miles a day until he broke his back parachuting out of a helicopter. But nothing could keep him down. Exercise transitioned into fishing and country dancing. He even celebrated his 80th year of life by crowd surfing at the Redneck Country Club in Stafford and a nostalgic jog through Memorial Park in Houston. He lived a remarkable life and will be incredibly missed, and though his journey on this side of eternity has ended, a new and bright one has begun. Or best said in one of Bill’s favorite country songs, “I have seen my last tomorrow; I am holding my last breath; goodbye sweet world of sorrow; my new life begins with death.”-Randy Houser

Visitation Thursday, March 13, 2025 -From 1:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Interment Friday, March 14, 2025 @ 1:00 p.m. Corpus Christi State Veterans Cemetery 9974 I-37, Corpus Christi, TX 78410
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Please keep the Creager family in your thoughts and prayers.

In Loving Memory of Aida Chavez Buentello
 
Aida Chavez Buentello gracefully entered The Heavenly Gates on Monday, March 3, 2025, just a day and a month shy of her 82nd birthday. Born to the late Salvador S. and Manuela G. Chavez in Alice, Texas, on April 4, 1943, Aida lived a life rich in love, simplicity, and boundless kindness. Aida was a proud graduate of the Alice High School class of 1961. She worked briefly as a Teacher’s Aide at Nayer Elementary, where her gentle nature and warm smile touched the hearts of many young students. In time, Aida devoted herself entirely to her beloved husband and family, becoming the cornerstone of their lives with her unwavering love and support. Aida lived a beautifully simple and kind life. She didn’t need much to find joy and contentment—crocheting, cheering for the Dallas Cowboys, and spending cherished moments with her family brought her immense happiness. Her selfless love, gentle spirit, and warm heart will forever be remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing her. Aida’s legacy of love and dedication will continue to inspire and guide her family and friends, as her memory remains a beacon of light in their lives.
 
Aida is survived by her devoted husband, Jesus Buentello; her cherished sister, Anita C. (Amado †) Garcia of Benavides, Texas; her loving daughter, Melinda (Dubie) Padilla of Alice, Texas; her caring sons, Jesus (Julie) Rodriguez Jr. of Edinburg, Texas, Daniel (Michelle) Rodriguez of Banquete, Texas, and Mark (Renee) Buentello of Corpus Christi, Texas; her stepchildren, Joann Buentello and Jesus Buentello Jr. of San Diego, Texas; her sister-in-laws, Eva, Elisa, and Mary of Conroe, Texas, Virginia (Alfonso †) Chavez of Alice, Texas; her treasured 12 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews who will carry her memory in their hearts.
 
Aida was preceded in death by her parents, Salvador S. and Manuela G. Chavez, her nephews, Jose “Jody” Garcia and Alfonso “Ponchie” Chavez Jr.; her brother, Alfonso Chavez; her in-law’s Jose Buentello Sr and Jovita Buentello; and her grandson, Justin Flores.
 
Visitation will begin on Friday, March 7, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Alice, Texas followed by a Rosary at 9:30 a.m. A Funeral Mass will then begin that same morning at 10:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church. Burial to follow at New Collins Cemetery in Alice, Texas.
 
Active Pallbearers: Noah Isaiah Buentello, Rene Padilla, Ronnie Padilla, Jesus D. Rodriguez, Julian Rodriguez, and Billy Hinojosa.
 
Honorary Pallbearers: Roman Lee Padilla, and Virginia G. Menking

Mauro P. Garcia Funeral Homes, Inc. in charge of arrangements.

​San Diego, Texas -
Gilberto Saenz was born on June 9,1991 in Kankakee, Illinois. Our father called upon him on February 9, 2025, to return to the Kingdom of the promised.

He enjoyed taking time out to see the bigger picture traveling the countryside, the beach, eating out with family and friends. His biggest passion was helping others in need with anything he could do. His love for all kinds of music was so extraordinary with a culture blend of his roots and new era energy. As well as, very knowledgeable in mechanical and technical projects in his career. Gilberto saw and understood that family time was the most sacred time you could ever have, especially when he was with his niece and nephew. We all know that you are at peace and rejoicing with your older brother, looking down on us and watching over us from the Heavens. Always in our hearts and memories, you’ll never be forgotten for all time and eternity with all of us.
 
Gilberto is preceded in death by his brother, Jose A. Saenz; maternal grandfather, Gilberto Arredondo; his uncle and aunt David & Carmela Trevino.
 
Those honored to continue to carry his memory his father and mother, Jose Alfredo & Patty Saenz; his sister, Patricia Saenz (Adrian Guzman); brother, Issac Saenz; nephew, Hayden Lee Saenz; niece, Avianna Jolee Saenz; and his grandmother Aurora Arredondo.

Visitation will be held on Friday, February 14, 2025 at 8:00 a.m. at Mauro P. Garcia Funeral Home-San Diego. A Prayer Service will be held at 10:30 a.m. the same morning and Burial will follow at the San Diego Cemetery. 
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Mauro P. Garcia Funeral Homes, Inc. in charge of arrangements. 

​​Celebrating the Life of Celia Sanchez
September 28, 1933- January 29, 2025

With gratitude and love, we celebrate the remarkable life of Celia Sanchez, our beloved matriarch, who passed away on January 29, 2025, at the age of 91. Her unwavering love for her family and her nurturing, strong, and loving spirit were the foundation of our lives, and her legacy will forever live on in our hearts. Celia enjoyed singing and dancing. She had a passion for bringing people together, whether through her incredible cooking or the simple joy of just being in her presence. She had a way of making everyone feel loved and cared for, creating a home filled with warmth and laughter.
She will be remembered for her wisdom, her strength, and the joy she brought to those around her. Though she is no longer with us, the lessons she taught, the traditions she built, will be deeply missed, but the love she gave will remain a guiding light in our lives forever.

She is preceded in death by sons, Pete Sanchez, Felipe Sanchez, Carlitos Sanchez and Valentine Moreno Jr, daughter Sylvia Zapata and husband, Serafin Sanchez.

She is survived by her children Celia (Sally) Sanchez, Irene Sanchez (Kelly), Juan Sanchez, Adolfo (Fito) Sanchez, Samuel Sanchez, Richard Sanchez (Mariana), Serafin Sanchez (Tina), Esmeralda Wright and all her grandchildren, great-grandchildren and even great-great-grandchildren who adored her.

Visitation will be held on Monday, February 3, 2025, at Mauro P. Garcia Funeral Home, Alice located at 600 South Wright St. from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. with a Rosary to be recited @ 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow at the Sanchez Cemetery, in La Parrita Community. 
Mauro P. Garcia Funeral Homes, Inc. in charge of arrangements. 

​​Daniel Anthony Cubriel was called home by our Heavenly Father on January 26, 2025.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Anthony “Chico” Cubriel and Celia Cubriel; his son, Aric Anthony Cubriel; his sister, Sarah “Sam” Schultz; and his father- and mother-in-law, Carlos and Sara Garcia.

He is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Diana “Quata” Cubriel; his son, Aaron Daniel (Leila) Cubriel; and numerous brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, and nephews. Danny was a 1971 graduate of San Diego High School and received his B.A from Southwest Texas State University. Danny dedicated his life to serving the community.
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He spent over 30 years coaching the youth in San Diego Little League. He looked forward to baseball season all year long and especially enjoyed watching the San Diego Little League All-Stars compete with neighboring towns across South Texas. Danny loved to BBQ, and his homemade BBQ sauce, which he made for Easter gatherings was always a hit. Danny retired from the Texas Department of Human Services after 25 years of service. Danny was a big man with a big heart. He was an animal lover and was always there to support his friends and family. Danny was a selfless man who thought of others before himself.

“And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make.”

Visitation will be held on Saturday, February 1, 2025 begining at 8:00 a.m. with a Rosary to be recited at 9:30 a.m. at Mauro P. Garcia Funeral Chapel in San Diego, Texas with a Funeral Service to follow. Burial to follow at San Diego Cemetery.
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Mauro P. Garcia Funeral Homes, Inc. in charge of arrangements. 

​Guadalupe “Pito” Gonzales Jr., 79 years of age passed on Sunday, January 26, 2025, in a local hospital surrounded by his loving family. Guadalupe worked in construction, and oilfield part of his life. He loved to spend time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He had a passion for dancing and enjoyed spending time with friends. Guadalupe recently lived at the Windsor Nursing Home where he enjoyed playing dominoes and playing bingo with the friends he made there. He had the best sense of humor and loved to joke around. He made friends with everyone who he encountered. Guadalupe also known as “Pito” will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Preceded in death by his parents Guadalupe Gonzales Sr. and Silveria Martinez Gonzalez, his mom that raised him Antonia Acuna, his siblings Ricardo Gonzales, Ramon Gonzales, Rito Acuna, Crecensio Acuna, Guadalupe “PePe” Acuna, Jr., Carlos Acuna and Emma Perez.
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He survived by his daughters; Sandra Cadena (Jeremy Smithwick), Lupita Gonzalez, Venissa (Hector) Mata, sisters; Sofia Lopez, Concepcion Morales, Rosa Acuna, Juanita Vallejo, Mary Ann Acuna, and Adela De La Rosa, brothers; Leo Acuna, Esteban Acuna, Jesus Acuna, Isaac Acuna and Jose Acuna. Grandchildren; Lyza Hinojosa, Andrew Gonzalez, Ernesto Olivarez, Jr., Orlando Gonzalez, Jr., Logan Perez, Joe Nathan Quintanilla, Devan Nicole Leal, Megan Cadena, David Cadena III, Lindsey Meija, Patrick Cantu, 16 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great-grandchild.

Honorary Pallbearer: David Cadena III
Active Pallbearers: Andrew Gonzalez, Ernesto Olivares,Jr., Joe Nathan Quintanilla, Patrick Cantu, Hector Mata, and Ramon Gonzales, Jr. 
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Visitation will begin at 8:00 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025 at Mauro P. Garcia Funeral Home Chapel in San Diego, with a Prayer service at 12:00 p.m. that same day. Followed by Burial at 2:00 pm at the San Diego Cemetery No.2. Mauro P. Garcia Funeral Homes entrusted with the arrangements.