Gabriel Bustamante Jr.

In loving memory of Gabriel Bustamante Jr who died Friday, December 12, 2014 at MD Anderson Hospital in Houston, TX, due to complications from acute myeloid leukemia. He was born in Galveston, TX, July 27, 1947 to Maria Davila Bustamante and Gabriel A. Bustamante Sr. Gabriel was 67 years old and resided in La Marque, TX since 1991.

Gabriel was a man of many talents. On August 23, 1979, Gabriel entered the Army branch of the military. In the military he received an Army Achievement Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas ribbon, and an M-16 Rifle expert Badge. His primary military education was in tactical Satellite and Microwave Systems Operator. While stationed in Germany, 1980 he became an expert skier and ski instructor. Gabriel skied with great agility and grace even though being born on an island and hardly ever seeing snow until being stationed in Germany. His last duty assignment was in the 235th Signal Detachment. Gabriel was honorably discharged from the military in 1982. Upon returning home from the military, Gabriel returned to his primary profession of welding. He had a reputation of being a quality welder. Even on his last days battling cancer, Gabriel was still being called to test for welding positions for various companies.

Gabriel is survived by his loving wife, Tilda, who was consistently at his side while he was ill. Tilda and Gabriel were married on June 3, 1988 in Galveston and have resided in La Marque, TX since 1991. Gabriel is survived by his daughter Christina Renee Bustamante Elliott, son Gabriel Bustamante III, step-son Gilbert Cristan III, and step-son David Cristan. He is also survived by his sister Carmen Mendoza, brother Humberto Bustamante, sister Janie Platt, brother Joe Bustamante, and twin brothers Edward and Richard Bustamante. He is also survived by 12 grandchildren.

Gabriel is preceded in death by his twin brother Joseph Bustamante who died at birth, and his parents Maria Davila and Gabriel A. Bustamante Sr.