​Cruz Cristobal (Cris) Torres 85 years old, passed away on April 26, 2025, at Windsor
Morgan nursing home in Corpus Christi, Texas surrounded by his loving family. He was
born on May 3,1939, to Juanita Rodriguez Trevino in Corpus Christi Texas. One of nine
children, he knew there were too many mouths to feed, and in his own words, “I was
restless, and had no desire to be a farmer”. Cruz enlisted with the Army at 17 just shy of
his 18th birthday. He did basic training at Lackland AFB, then was stationed at Vance
AFB in Oklahoma for Aircraft mechanical training where upon finishing, the Army
assigned him to Alaska. Cruz loved being a soldier, he loved the structure, and if you
worked hard, you could rise through the ranks. He met Patricia Frederickson while
stationed in Alaska, and she encouraged him to study and take his GED to get his high
school diploma. He was awarded a GED from Fairbanks Alaska. He reenlisted in the Air
Force and Patricia joined him in San Antonio, Texas as soon as she graduated from
High school in 1962 where they were married. They had two children, Ricky (Ric)
Torres, and Christine Torres Woodruff. Cruz looked good in his tailored uniform, and
was selected to drive for Commanding General Kelly in San Antonio where he saw
President JFK, and many celebrities. The family was stationed at Hickam AFB in
Honolulu, Hawaii where he drove for General Maddox (3 star) before returning to San
Antonio. Cruz started taking college classes, and after 10 years earned an associate
degree in general studies. Cruz and Patricia were divorced in 1970. Cruz was deployed
to Vietnam from 1970-1972, and he then was promoted to augmented Inspector 7th Air Force Inspector General MACV under general Westmoreland (four star) specifically serving in Korea, South Vietnam, and Laos Cambodia.
 
He retired as a Chief Master Sargent after 21.5 years from the Air Force, with (3)
Commendation Medals, and (1) Meritorious Service Medal.
 
Upon retiring he started Universal City Taxi service in San Antonio, where he tried his
hand at being an entrepreneur. After three years, he found owning a business to be too
taxing, and decided to Join the Federal Aviation Administration in Alaska as a
maintenance foreman in charge of navigational aid and airport mechanics for 17 small
airports across Alaska. He retired from the FAA at 55 years of age, having worked a
total of 31.5 years in federal service.
 
He returned to San Diego and enjoyed his senior years being with family, friends and
longtime sweetheart Yolanda Cuellar. Eating out at his favorite restaurants, collecting,
and working on vintage cars and driving his various corvettes.
 
He is preceded in death by his mother; Juanita Trevino, older brother; Serafine Asaro,
younger brothers; Cayetano Trevino, Pepe Trevino, Danny Trevino, and his sister;
Angelita Tiblier Torres.
 
He leaves behind his brothers; Lupe Trevino, Juan (Gloria) Trevino, and
Esperanza Trevino (Ray) Solis, his daughter; Christine (Royce) Woodruff Torres, grandchildren; Vance Woodruff, and Trace Woodruff, his son; Ric (Tracy) Torres, grandchildren; Taryn Torres Marks, Cami Torres, Connor Torres, and Tyler Torres, great grandchildren; Madden Reingold, and Koda Marks all whom he loved and enjoyed. May he rest in peace with his heavenly father, you will be missed, but not ever far from our hearts.
 
Visitation will begin on Thursday, May 1, 2025 at 9:00 AM at Mauro P. Garcia Funeral
Home Chapel in San Diego, Tx with a Rosary to be recited at 10:00 a.m. Followed by
Funeral Services. Military grave side services will be conducted by the United Burial
Veterans Association of Alice, Texas at the San Diego Cemetery No. 2.
 
Condolences may be left on our website www.mauropgarcia.com
 
Mauro P. Garcia Funeral Home entrusted with the arrangements.

Benavides, Texas - Lydia Estela Oliveira Canales, a lifelong resident of Benavides, Texas, passed away peacefully at the age of 96 at her home on April 7, 2025, leaving a void her family cannot fill. She was born in Benavides, Texas on February 19, 1929, to Crescencio Oliveira and Velia Garcia Oliveira. She was the second child of seven siblings. Lydia was a devoted mother to her three children, and Mary Alice Palomino, Lille Annell Canales, F.H. “Tocho” (Tammy) Canales, Jr., and Juan Antonio Canales (all residents of Benavides, Texas). Her three grandchildren F. H. “Trey” Canales III (San Antonio, Texas), Robert (Virginia) Canales (Los Angeles, California), and Reese (Casey) Canales (Washington, D.C.), were the pride and joy of their Nana.

Lydia took special joy in cooking for her family and planning special celebrations, making turcos, depression candy, dulce de frijol, divinity, and other treats throughout the years for immediate and extended family members. She was an avid reader and enjoyed creating a variety of arts and crafts. From designing personalized floral arrangements for any occasion to decorating for her favorite holiday, Christmas, and the ever-popular family Easter Egg Hunt, she was in her element and looked forward to every festivity with the same excitement and anticipation always. She loved her family equally, no matter which side they came from. She provided a haven or a refuge whenever any of them may have needed one. Whether it was a nephew sneaking a turco as he went to school, or the Easter egg fights, Christmas Eve menudo and tamales, or the camping trips to Garner State Park, she loved being with her family immensely.  She felt a profound love for her brothers and sisters that had no boundaries.  Her nieces and nephews, each one of whom she loved and was so proud of, brought smiles to her face when she heard from them. She kept in touch with her cousins, who she had many of, each of them meant so much to her, to the end.  And in later years, her outings for lunch with her friends and keeping active were what she enjoyed the most.

Her love for genealogy was endless, and her knowledge of family history was impressive. Her impulse was to help tell the story and to bring truth forward. If you accompanied her to the grocery store, that was an all-day event because everyone stopped to chat with her. She never met a stranger. And after 96 years, she was a friend to many.

She served in the following organizations:
PTA Room Mother for her three children for 29 years
Altar and Rosary Society
Catholic Daughters
Girl Scout Leader
1st Quad County President of Hispanic Descent
Lifelong Democrat
School Board Member
American Legion Auxiliary President 
Duval County Pct 2 Election Judge
Duval County Historical Commission Chairman 25 yrs
Hand-Crafted Christmas Ornament Exchange Club 

Lydia was preceded in death by the love of her life (after 54 years of marriage), F.H. (Tocho) Canales Sr., her parents, Crescencio Oliveira and Velia Garcia Oliveira, her sister, Vellita (Verlon) Oliveira Bridges, her brothers, Crescencio Oliveira and Celso Oliveira, brothers-in-law, Verlon Bridges and Wayne Pendleton, Liborio (Estela) Canales, Albino (Adriana) Canales, sister-in-law, Tina (Crescencio) Oliveira, Alicia Canales (Octavio) Carrillo, Lille Canales (Angel) Saenz, nieces Margot Isabel Mendez and Rosalinda Oliveira, Maria Alicia (Ezequiel) Garcia, nephew Liborio Canales Jr.

Survived by her sisters, Elda (Roel) Oliveira Mendez and Bertha Oliveira Pendleton, numerous nieces and nephews who adored her and will never forget the love and treasured memories she brought to their lives.

We would like to especially thank her caregiver, Kim Pendleton, for her dedication to our mother over the past nine months, to all those at NSCL Home Health, NSCL Provider Services, and Del Cielo Hospice Services.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, April 12, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. at Mauro P. Garcia Funeral Home in San Diego, Texas, followed by a Rosary at 10:00 a.m. Funeral Service will be held at the Santa Rosa De Lima Catholic Church in Benavides, Texas, at 11:30 a.m.  Burial to follow at The Benavides Cemetery in Benavides, Texas.
​
Mauro P. Garcia Funeral Homes, Inc. entrusted with arrangements.

Jesus E. Garza went to be with our heavenly father on Friday, April 04, 2025, at home in Santa Fe, TX surrounded by his wife of 38 years and family. He was born in Benavides, Texas on February 16, 1934, to Clarencio Pina Garza and Juanita Elizondo Garza. Jesse (Chuy) lived every waking moment to the fullest with as much passion and zest shown in everything, he did all of his years. Prior to his retirement, Mr. Garza had been employed with British Petroleum (formerly Amoco Chemical Company) for over 20 years as a compressor mechanic and then fire safety supervisor. He also worked for several years with Nixon Oil and Reynolds Aluminum plant in the Corpus Christi area. His life passions were a deep faith in God, love of family, giving to charity, spending time at the ranch/nature with family, an avid walker, celebrating life events with family and friends, and Red Lobster Sundays. He especially loved listening to music often or playing accordion from time to time and reminiscing with his life-long childhood friend/brother, Tito Zuniga. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him.
 
Preceded in death by his parents, Clarencio Pina Garza and Juanita Elizondo Garza; two siblings, Amando Garza of Benavides, Texas and Francisca G. Saenz of Robstown, Texas; three sons, Jesus Salinas Garza, Rene Salinas Garza and Roberto Salinas Garza of Benavides, Texas. 
  
Surviving him includes his wife, Ancion Garza of Santa Fe, Texas; mother of his children, Catarina S. Garza; four children, Consuelo Colecio (Feliciano) of Concepcion, Texas, Clarencio Salinas Garza of Benavides, Texas, Sandra Martinez (Juan Carlos) of Dallas, Texas, Jesse Garza (Jessica) of Dickinson, Texas; daughter in law, Hermelinda Garza; 24 grandchildren, 38 great grandchildren, 2 great-great grandchildren and several beloved nieces and nephews.
 
Active Pallbearers: Enrique Sanchez, Jr., Feliciano Colecio, Jr., Rene Garcia, Randy Sanchez, Tony Flores, Joshua Pena.

Honorary Pallbearers: Robert Daniel Garza and Jaime Adrian Sanchez.
 
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, at 8:00 a.m. at Mauro P. Garcia Funeral Home in San Diego, Texas followed by a Rosary at 10:00 a.m. Funeral Service will be held that morning at the Funeral Home at 11:00 a.m. Burial to follow at The Salinas-Garza Cemetery in Concepcion, Texas.
 
Mauro P. Garcia Funeral Homes, Inc. entrusted with arrangements.

​Alice, Texas - Gumercinda M. Andrade, 92, died peacefully on March 29, 2025, at Meridian Nursing Home of Alice, Tx. She was born January 27, 1933, in Hebbronville, Tx, the daughter of Napoleon and Maria Rosas Martinez. Gume was a homemaker all her life, devoting all her love and attention to her husband, Gustavo Rodolpho “Rudy” Andrade and their son, Alexander Andrade. Gume and Rudy were married on November 13, 1976. She was an amazing cook and enjoyed having family over for dinner for one of her home cooked meals. She was patient and loving and admired by her nieces and nephews. She enjoyed watching novelas and soap operas, often making jokes about the characters. Her sense of humor shined through every day regardless of what was going on. She was a ray of sunshine to everyone who knew her.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Gustavo Andrade; her parents, Napoleon and Maria Rosas Martinez; one brother, Napoleon Martinez; two sisters, Elma Gonzalez and Connie Garza; two brothers in law, Ruben R. Smithwick, Sr. and Camilo Garza.

Gume is survived by one son, Alexander Andrade, and one sister, Albesa Smithwick.

A Rosary will be held Thursday, April 3, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. at Mauro P. Garcia Funeral Home in Alice, Tx followed by a Funeral Mass that will be celebrated at 1:30 p.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Alice, Tx with an interment to follow at Roberson Collins Cemetery, Alice, Tx 78332.

The Honor of Pall bearers is bestowed to her nephews:
Ruben R. “Sonny” Smithwick, Jr.
Steven N. Smithwick
Joe Garza
Camilo Garza
Mike Gonzalez
H. Mario Bazan

Serving as Honorary Pallbearers:
Alexander Andrade
Roel Chapa
Roy Louis Chapa
Quinton Smithwick

Mauro P. Garcia Funeral Homes, Inc. entrusted with arrangements.

Benavides, Texas – Fidel Saenz Jr., 73 years of age, passed away peacefully at a local hospital surrounded by his loving daughters. Fidel was born on October 17, 1951. He was a graduate of Robstown High School. He was an avid Dallas Cowboys fan. He loved to fish. He loved BBQing for his family. Fidel was also known to be a handyman; you could find him outside working on the yard or repairing things around the house. He loved spending time with his children and grandchildren. Fidel will be dearly missed by his loving family, friends, and all who knew him.

Preceded in death by his parents, Fidel Sr. and Francisca G. Saenz, and his beloved wife of many years, Thelma Saenz.

Survived by his son, Fidel Saenz III; daughters; Debbie Salazar, Yvonne Garcia, Tiffany (Mario) Garza, Thelma (Daniel) Lerma, Britani (Mark) Saenz, Christina Saenz; numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

Visitation will begin on Friday March 29, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. at Mauro P. Garcia Funeral Home in Alice, Texas followed by a Memorial Service at 11:00 a.m. at the Funeral Home. Burial to follow at the Benavides Cemetery in Benavides, Texas.
​
Mauro P. Garcia Funeral Homes, Inc. entrusted with arrangements.

San Diego, Texas- Humberto C. Morin Sr.- 74 years of age passed away on Saturday, March 22, 2025, after a short illness surrounded by his loving family. Humberto was a graduate of San Diego High School Class of 1969. He was a retired welder and a Duval County Employee for many years. He loved working with his hands, repairing lawnmowers, etc. Humberto loved spending time with family and grandchildren. He will be greatly missed by his family and all who knew him.

Preceded in death by his parents; Elizandro and Susana Morin, his son; Bert Morin Jr., five brothers; Roman Morin, Moises Morin, Ramiro C. Morin, Alfredo Morin, Luis Morin Sr., four sisters; Consuelo Mata, Maria Villarreal, Orelia Trevino, and San Juana Morin.

Survived by his loving wife of 50 years; Rosario V. Morin, his son; Robert V. Morin, his daughter; Christina M. (Estevan) Perez, brother; his Benjamin Morin, his sister; Elbia Morin, his sister-in-law; Alicia Morin, three grandchildren; Eilani Perez, Nathan Perez, Liam Perez, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Active Pallbearers: Estevan Perez, Nathan Perez, Rudy Villarreal, Claudio Trevino, Alfredo Morin Jr., Ernesto Briones.

Honorary Pallbearer: Liam Perez.

Visitation will begin on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. at Mauro P. Garcia Funeral Home in San Diego, Texas with a Rosary to be recited at 7:00 p.m. Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday March 26, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Francis de Paula Catholic Church in San Diego. Burial to follow at San Diego Cemetery No. 2.
​
Mauro P. Garcia Funeral Homes, Inc. entrusted with arrangements.

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.
​
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.
​
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.