Harlingen, TX. - George L. "Choche" Gutierrez Sr.

Age 91, passed away at his residence Saturday, April 5, 2008 after an extended illness.

George was a member of the Gutierrez/Loya pioneer family. He was born on July 23, 1916 in Harlingen, Texas to Eugenio and Sabas Gutierrez. He graduated from Harlingen High School in 1937 where he was the captain of the baseball team. George married Graciela Vasquez from Mercedes, Texas before enlisting in the army during WWII, where he was injured by friendly fire during the crossing of the Rhine River in Germany. After recuperating in France, he returned to Mercedes, Texas and his job as a Salesman for wholesale grocer. He later worked for Southern Select and Pearl Brewery. Education was very important to George and he attended Texas Southmost College in his later years to set the example for his children and grandchildren. He established G & G Sales in 1982 after his retirement where he worked up until a year before his death. As an active member of the Immaculate Heart of Mary all his life, he participated in the Cursillistas, served as a Board Member, was a Eucharistic Minister, and a member of the 100 Men's Club. He was also involved in the American Legion Post 205.

George was a friend and hero to many and was always sought out for his wisdom in times of need. His patient, steadfast manner made him a favorite grandfather and uncle to all. He will be missed by all, mostly for his wonderful smile, the gleam in his eyes and his uncanny way of seeing the light at the end of the darkest tunnel. George was an avid sportsman. He never missed a hunting season or opening pitch of his favorite baseball team.

George is survived by his wife of 67 years, Graciela, four daughters, Leticia (Robert) Sanchez of West Columbia, Lupita Gutierrez Garza, Graciela Gutierrez and Doris (Lino) Perez of Harlingen. Two sisters, Rosaura and Mary Gutierrez of Harlingen, and two brothers Eugenio "Keno" (Emma) Gutierrez of McAllen and Secundino "Nino" (Carmen) Gutierrez of Harlingen. Six grandchildren Jodi Sanchez of Missouri City, Christian (Celina) Gutierrez of Harlingen, Shelby Sanchez of Houston, Robert (Melissa) Perez of Humble, Marcel Gutierrez Garza of Austin, and George Perez of Harlingen. Four great grandchildren, Mia and Zoe Pierce of Missouri City, Sebastian George Gutierrez and Zachary Thompson of Harlingen and numerous nieces and nephews.

George is preceded in death by his parents Eugenio and Sabas Gutierrez, his son Lt. George Gutierrez Jr., and his sister Olga G. Cabaza and Savitas Marin.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to the Lt. George Gutierrez Jr. scholarship fund at Texas State Bank.
There will be a viewing Monday, April 7th beginning at 5 PM with a rosary following at 7 PM.

Funeral mass will be Tuesday, April 8th at 10 AM at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church with graveside services following at Mont Meta in San Benito, under the auspices of American Legion Post 205 and V.F.W Post 2410.

Special thanks to his caregivers Sandra Martinez and Ramiro Muniz and his doctors, Dr. John Ferris, Dr. Charles Mild and Dr. Oladayo Sanusi.

Honored to serve as pallbearers will be: Christian Gutierrez, Shelby Sanchez, Robert Perez, Marcel Gutierrez Garza, George Perez, Robert Sanchez, and Lino Perez.

Funeral services have been entrusted to Trinity at Harrison Funeral Home 1002 E. Harrison, Harlingen, TX.
Sign the guestbook at www.valleystar.com.