He made his journey to Heaven on April 30, 2021, at the young age of 94. He was the second-youngest of five children and had fond memories of growing up in the country where his parents owned a local grocery store. Emilio was preceded in death by his brothers and sister, Fortino Saenz Jr., Raul Saenz, and Elia Field. He is survived by his younger sister, Elsa Lopez.
Emilio graduated from Banquete High School in 1945 and then enlisted in the United States Army. His best friend Isaac Barrera introduced him to the love of his life, Bernice Fuentes. Emilio and Bernice celebrated 59 years of marriage on December 30, 2020. In 1971, Emilio and Bernice started the Brownlee Bargain Center. With his strong work ethic and talent, they created a company that would thrive and provide a rewarding life. He treasured the friendships he made through the business.
Emilio was especially proud of his family and so loved his two daughters, Pamela Martinez (Sam) and Lizette Fregoso (Frank), and one son, Michael James. He was a loving and active grandfather to Hannah Hoch (Louis), Joshua Martinez (Ashley), and Frankie Fregoso. As much as he loved his grandkids, he was overjoyed to become a great-grandfather.
God and family were the center of his home. He was a member of Kelsey Memorial United Methodist Church, where he was a devoted servant to God, an usher, a member of various committees, and active in Methodist Men. Emilio’s favorite pastimes were rebuilding forklifts, tinkering around in his garage and home, leisurely drives, visiting the nearby beach towns, having lunch dates with his buddies, cheering on the Corpus Christi Hooks, and Whataburger Wednesdays with his church family. He never met a stranger, making friends wherever he went, and he had an ever-present kindness toward others.
A service of praise and thanksgiving in celebration for the life of Emilio will be held on Wednesday, May 5, 2021 at Kelsey Memorial United Methodist Church at 11:00 AM. Burial will follow at Memory Gardens Cemetery in Corpus Christi, Texas. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Frank and Elia Saenz-Field Scholarship Fund at 1610 Comanche Street, Corpus Christi, Texas 78401.
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