​Sandia, Texas- Juan Cornejo Jr, 82 years old passed away January 11th, 2020 in Corpus Christi in the care of Spohn Hospice. Juan Jr. was born in Realitos, Texas and moved to Sandia, Texas  in 1948.  His assiduous work ethic became evident at an early age when he opted out of school in order to help the family by working on the Knolle farms.  It was at these very dairies that he met, his wife to be, Josephina Salinas. On December 13th, 2019 they celebrated 60 years of marriage. Juan Jr. never stopped working his whole life.  Jr. went from working on the farms to becoming a milk transport driver for Knolle dairies. He had already worked diligently from his adolescent years with his father.  Between the Knolle dairies and Hygeia Dairy Company, where he worked transporting milk over 40 years.  His accomplishments were numerous as a professional driver.  In the 70’s and 80’s he was recognized by Hygeia and received “Driver Safety Awards” year after year. However, his most prized driving accomplishment was being named “TRANSPORT DRIVER OF THE YEAR” in 1980 and 1982, the highest feat that Hygeia awarded its professional motorists.  During his off time, you could often find him helping his mother and father maintain the family property and providing for his family by working part time on the Lincecum Farms. During watermelon season, he would help his father plant, maintain, and harvest the watermelon fields. After retiring from Hygeia, he finished his career working as a ranch foreman at Dos Amigos deer ranch then CC Crane as a crane operator. There weren’t too many things he couldn’t do. Televangelist of Life Today and Dos Amigos owner, James Robison, often described Juan Jr. as “the best tractor operator in South Texas.”  During his later years you could still see his meticulous work ethic as he carefully maintained his own yard on a weekly basis. He never stopped working as those were just a few of his many jobs throughout his life. Whatever Juan Jr. did he did to the fullest.  It was no mystery that he loved to play as hard as he worked, while always providing for the family. There was never a time that his immediate family of four went without.  Sports, being with friends, hunting, and fishing were some of his avid hobbies. It was also no secret people could repeatedly find Juan Jr. supporting the local small businesses by frequently visiting the local taverns and liquor stores in the surrounding areas. Juan Jr. is preceded in death by his mother, Francisca P. Cornejo and father, Juan Cornejo Sr.  His beloved daughter Sylvia Cornejo McCann. His sisters Cristina Cornejo and Cenovia Cornejo. Lastly, His brother Felix Cornejo. He is survived by his wife Josefa Salinas Cornejo of Sandia, His daughter Norma Rivera (+David) of Orange Grove, his son Felix Cornejo (Krystal) of Corpus Christi,  Two sisters Ernestina (Serafin Sanchez) Trevino of Mathis,  and Leonila Champion (+Joe) of Round Rock,  one brother Robert (Norma) Cornejo of Orange Grove.  Juan Jr had 8 grandchildren, Andrew Rivera, Matthew Rivera, Christopher Isaac Rivera, Vincent Cornejo, Joshua McCann, Jeremy Cornejo, Myra Faith Frances Cornejo and Johnny Diego Cornejo.  He also had two great-grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews. Serving as active Pallbearers will be Jonathan Hinze, Eloy Perez, Arnold Trevino, Matthew Rivera, Warren Kopplin, Vincent Cornejo, Andrew Rivera, and Christopher Isaac Rivera. Visitation will begin on Tuesday, January 14, 2020 from 5 pm till 9pm at Mauro P. Garcia Funeral Home in Alice, Texas 600 S. Wright(361-664-6041) with a Rosary to be recited at 7pm that same evening.  Funeral mass will be celebrated at St. Pius X Mission on Wednesday, Jan.15, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. in Sandia, Texas. Burial will follow at the Sandia Cemetery in Sandia Texas.

San Diego, Texas:  Consuelo P. Balli passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Dec. 30, 2019 in an Alice Hospital. She was a former employee of Guaranty Title &  Abstract Company for 6 years. Worked for Duval County for 28 years and 17 of those years she was a Deputy for the District clerk office under the administration of Antonio Salinas. Consuelo was a devout Catholic, parishioner of St. Francis De Paula Catholic Church, charter member of the Catholic Daughters of America and Eucharistic Minister serving from 1992-1995. She is preceded in death by her parents Higinio N. Perez and Maria Solis Perez, her husband Federico Balli Jr., granddaughter Alma Leticia Garcia, brothers Leopoldo Perez,  Rodolfo Perez, and  Jose Oscar Perez, sister Elena P. Solis.  Surviving include two sons Federico "Fred" Balli, Javier (Irene) Balli, two daughters Margo Balli, and Trudy B. (Angel) Morin, ten grandchildren  Monica Pirmantgen, Eric Balli (Elizabeth), Patricia Balli, Kaila Balli, Kiko Balli, Adrian Balli, Vanessa Esquivel (Jose), Ivan Morin (Stephanie), Javier Balli, Jr. (Jade), Chelsea Balli-Cruz (Luis). 10 great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild. Visitation will begin on Wednesday Jan.1, 2020 at 5 p.m. at Mauro P. Garcia Funeral Home with a Rosary recited at 7 p.m. that same evening. Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Thursday Jan.2, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Frances De Paula Catholic Church and Burial will follow at the San Diego Cemetery. Mauro P. Garcia Funeral Homes entrusted with the arrangements. 

Active Pallbearers:
Javier Balli Jr., Ivan Morin, Jose Esquivel, Kiko Balli, Luis Cruz, Armando Hinojosa, Eric Balli, JM Rodriguez
 
Damos sinceramente las gracias a Laura Leticia Hernandez de Leon por la atención que ha dado, con mucho cariño, a nuestra mama.
 

​Alice, Texas:   Oscar Gabriel "O.G." Pena  29 years old passed away on Dec. 21, 2019 at his residence.  O.G. worked as a mobile home mover for J & J Transport ,  Reliable Mobile Home Service LLC and several other companies as well. He enjoyed many hobbies such as going hunting, fishing, traveling to the family ranch, visiting with his family, barbecuing ,four wheeling and drinking with his friends. Preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Willie and Ester Paiz, paternal grandmother, Maria Irene Pena, and his brother Peter Pena. Survivors include his parents Pete and Becky Pena, paternal grandparents, Pedro (Emma) Pena Jr., sister-in-law Ashley Longoria-Pena, his close cousin Gino (Danielle) Hinojosa, four nephews Ezikiel Emanuel Pena, Alexzander Zay Pena, Arian Gabriel Longoria, Jesiah Edward Martinez, numerous cousins, aunts, and uncles.  Honorary Pallbearers: Ezikiel Emanuel Pena and Alexzander Zay Pena, Active Pallbearers Gino Hinojosa, Joe Oscar Paiz, Bernardo "Curly" Solano, Louis Sill, Bryan Torres, Elias Cantu Jr., Travis Martinez, Emilio Cantu, Michael Cadena, Pete Garcia, Donny Lewis, Shawn Alvarez.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, Dec. 26, 2019 beginning at 4pm at Mauro P. Garcia Funeral Home-San Diego with a Rosary recited at 7 p.m. that same evening. Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, Dec. 27, 2019 at St. Francis De Paula Catholic Church at 10:00 am and burial will follow at the Lopez Cemetery in San Jose, Texas. Mauro P. Garcia Funeral Homes, Inc. entrusted with arrangements. 

Corpus Christi- Olivia S. Vera 96 years of age passed away Sunday, December 8, 2019 after a short illness. Olivia was born and raised in Benavides, Tx. to her parents, Rufino Sanchez and Inez Garcia Sanchez.  She was a homemaker. Olivia was a loving and caring mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great-grandmother and aunt and will be missed by all who knew her. Olivia loved family gatherings and loved to cook for them.  Preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Ramon Vera, one son, Ramon Roel Vera, sister, Baudelia Garza, three brothers, Francisco Sanchez, Serapio Sanchez and Justo Sanchez.  Survivors include her son, Raul N. (Elva) Vera, Seguin, Texas, two daughters, Alma V. (Jose M) Garcia, Freer, Texas, and Annie Jimenez, Corpus Christi, Texas., 7 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, 10 great-great-grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews.  Visitation will be held on Friday, December 13, 2019 at Mauro P. Garcia Funeral Home-San Diego, from 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. with a Rosary to be recited at 7:00 p.m. the same evening.  Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, December 14, 2019 at 10:00 a.m. at Santa Rosa de Lima Catholic Church, Benavides Texas.  Burial will follow at the Benavides Cemetery.  Mauro P. Garcia Funeral Homes, Inc. in charge of arrangements.  
Special thanks to Serenity and Grace Hospice, Kindred Hospice and the Chaplains that looked over our loved one and took great care of her. Also to our family, and friends that were there to lend a helping hand, for all the prayers, calls and texts during the passing of our beloved mother.

Elma Reyes Garcia passed away on Saturday, December 7, 2019 at her home. She died surrounded by her family. She was born on February 4, 1943 in San Diego, Texas and was a lifelong resident. She was a teacher for St. Joseph’s Catholic School in Alice and then became the principal’s secretary at Parr Elementary school in San Diego for many years until she retired. Those who knew her, were touched by her generosity and eagerness to help others. To her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, she was known as “Momo”. There was nothing she wouldn’t do for them. They were her world.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Salomon V. and Guadalupe C. Reyes; her sister, Eustolia Reyes Ramirez; brothers, Raul C. Reyes, Arturo C. Reyes, and Antonio C. Reyes; and son, Alejo C. Garcia, Jr.

She is survived by her husband of 59 years, Alejo C. Garcia, Sr.; one son, Adrian (Diana) Garcia of Corpus Christi, Texas; two daughters, Alma (Roberto) Casas of Corpus Christi, Texas; and Alissa (Rey Mendez) Garcia of San Diego, Texas; two brothers, Jose C. Reyes of Pensacola, Florida; Alfredo (Anna) Reyes of Austin, Texas; two sisters, Delia (Robert) Hirtle, of San Antonio, Texas, and Edna (Luis) Corona of Corpus Christi, Texas; six grandchildren, Roberto Romeo (Jennifer) Casas, Alex Garcia, Ricardo Ivan Casas, Amanda Garcia, Adrian Carlos Casas, and Adriel Cesar Casas; and seven great grandchildren, Iliana Iris Casas, Genevieve Elise Casas, Ryan Matthew Casas, Isabelle Lia Casas, Ariana Iris Casas, Kaydence Rae Casas, and Lux Ivy Garcia.

Pallbearers: Roberto Romeo Casas, Alex Garcia, Ricardo Ivan Casas, Amanda Garcia, Adrian Carlos Casas and Adriel Cesar Casas.
Honorary Pallbearers: Roberto Casas, Rey Mendez, and Ryan Matthew Casas.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, December 10, 2019 at Mauro P. Garcia Funeral Home- San Diego from 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Rosary will be recited at 7p.m. the same evening.  Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, December 11, 2019 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Francis de Paula Catholic Church.  Burial will follow at the San Diego Cemetery.  Mauro P. Garcia Funeral Homes, Inc. in charge of arrangements.  

​San Diego, Texas - Amando "Doncho" Santos, 67 years old passed away Monday, December 2, 2019  after a long illness.
He was a construction worker, painter and a home provider. He loved to spend time with his family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Alonzo and Alicia M. Santos and one half brother, Armando Santos. He is survived by his son, Amando Rene Garcia of San Diego, Texas, two brothers, Hector (Patricia) Santos of Freer, Texas and Eddie (Jo Ann Flores) Santos of San Diego, Texas, two half brothers, Alonzo Santos, Jr. of Dallas, Texas and Luis Santos of Colorado, two sisters, Sandra (Wally) Villarreal of Ben Bolt, Texas and Gracie (Ricky) Garcia of San Diego, Texas, one half sister, Susie Bednarski  of Dallas, Texas, numerous nieces and nephews. Visitation will begin on Thursday, December 12, 2019 at Mauro P. Garcia Funeral Home-San Diego from 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. with a Rosary to be recited at 6:00 p.m. All services will conclude after the Rosary.  Mauro P. Garcia Funeral Homes, Inc. in charge of arrangements.

​San Diego- Javier Martinez, Jr., of San Diego, Texas, went to be with our Lord on November 30, 2019, at 4:40 a.m. at Christus Spohn Hospital on Shoreline Dr. in Corpus Christi, TX., after battling a terminal illness for quite sometime.
Javier, Jr. was a 1990 Vaquero graduate and all-around athlete of San Diego High School.  He attended Hill Junior College in Hiilsbro, TX. and Laredo Junior College where he pursued his passion of playing baseball.  He worked in the oilfield industry for over 20 years performing various responsibilities.  He was an avid Houston Astros Baseball fan. Javier, Jr., loved to go fishing and enjoyed cooking for his family and friends.  He could always bring a smile to everyones face with his sense of humor and sharp wit.  Javier, Jr., looked forward to cuddling on the couch with his wife to watch the newest movie releases.
Javier, Jr., was born on December 30, 1971, in Alice, Texas to Javier Martinez, Sr. and Elma Garza Martinez.
Javier, Jr., is preceded in death by his paternal grandmother, Guadalupe Rubalcava Garcia, his maternal granparents, Federico and Eloisa H. Garza, his uncle Elias Martinez, his aunt Argelia (Angie) Garcia and his nephew Roberto R. Saenz, II.  
He is survived by his wife of 20 years, JoAnn Cardenas Martinez, Benavides, Tx., his daughter, Julissa M. Martinez and grandson, Ryan M. Casas, both of San Diego, Tx., his sisters, Debbie A. Gonzalez and Monica Barrera, also from San Diego, Tx., his father in law and mother in law, Mr. & Mrs. Tomas Cardenas, Jr., Benavides, Tx., sister-in-law, Patricia A. Trevino (Juan) Orange Grove, Tx., brother-in-law, Tomas Cardenas III (Virgina), Corpus Christi, Tx., his step-mom, Paula Martinez, of Brazoria, Tx. He leaves behind numerous nieces, a nephew, two grand-nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, December 11, 2019 at Mauro P. Garcia Funeral Home-San Diego from- 5:00p.m.- 9:00p.m. with a Rosary to be recited at 7:00 p.m. the  same evening. Services will conclude after Rosary.  Mauro P. Garcia Funeral Homes, Inc. in charge of arrangements.