WESLACO,TX—Simon Tamez

78, loving husband and father passed away, Monday, December 7, 2009 at Brooke Army Hospital in San Antonio,Tx. following a sudden illness. Born July 6, 1931 to Nicolas and Petra Tamez. He attended Edcouch-Elsa High school and at the onset of the Korean Conflict, Simon answered the call of his country and joined the U.S. Army.

After serving two Tours of duty in Korea, he returned to the Valley and married his loving wife Micaela, living 44 wonderful years of life with her until her passing in 1999. He was employed with the USDA and retired in 1991 He then enrolled at Pan American College in Edinburg for several years.

Finding retired life wonderful but somewhat boring Simon accepted a job from the Starr Produce Co. in Rio Grande City. He retired in the late 90’s.

With the Army being so much of his life, Sgt. Major Tamez, retired from the Army National Guard with a combined 39 years of service.

In 1972-1975 he served on the Board as a trustee for the Weslaco Independent school district displaying a great love for the young children of Weslaco. Simon was a life member of Catholic War Veterans and a life member of Veterans of Foreign Wars. He was the recipient of the Sgt. Major award, Outstanding Award from the Jaycees, Armed Forces Sr. N.C.O. of the Year, from the R.G.V Sr. N.C.O. Club, V.F.W Outstanding QuarterMaster, National Guard Association of Texas Certificate of
Participation to Operation Desert Storm, Honorary recruiter of the U.S. Army, Lifetime Member of the 35th Infantry Division.
Simon was appointed by the Governor of Texas to the Texas Army National Guard Armory Board, Certification of Achievement award from the 1st Cavalry Division, letters of commendation from the Adjutant General of Texas for CSM Leadership . He was the recipient of a Letter of Appreciation from the President of the Republic of Korea, and was a founding member of the Board of Directors of the Rio Grande Valley Sr. Non Commissioned Officers Association.

He was preceded in death by his wife Micaela “Mickey” R. Tamez and a sister Emma.

He is survived by his daughters: Emma (Dr. Robert) Kestenbaum, Cynthia (Tony) Bruketta and Nora (Mark) Janice; sons: Maj. Carlos (Patricia) Tamez U.S. Army and Homero (Rebecca) Tamez; 14 Grandchildren. David and Nicki Kestenbaum, Adina, Cristina and Simon Louis Bruketta, Zachary, Thomas and Kimberly Janice, Celeste, Aaron Tamez, Justin, Illiana,, Macee and JET Tamez; two great grandchildren Micaela and Armando Stains. Also surviving are his siblings: Jose Tamez, Jacinto Tamez, Cruz Martinez and Maria Moreno. He is survived by his wife of seven years Elizabeth S. Tamez, her 8 children 23 grandchildren 21 great grandchildren.

Visitation is scheduled for today Friday December 11, 2009 from 4-9 at McCaleb Funeral Home in Weslaco.

Funeral services are scheduled for Saturday December 12, 2009 at 10:00 a.m. at Church of The Living Word in Mercedes with Pastor L.T. Moss, officiating. Interment to follow at Highland Memorial Park in Weslaco.

Arrangements are under the direction of McCaleb Funeral Home 900 w. 4th Weslaco, Texas 78596 .

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