Romeo M. Saenz,1936 - 2024, was a kind, honest and dedicated man who always put the needs of others ahead of his own. On Friday, November the first, he peacefully passed away surrounded by his loving family. He was born and raised in Kingsville, Texas to Alejandro and Julia Saenz, along with five brothers and sisters.
Romeo graduated from H.M. King High School in 1955 and soon afterwards started his own family. He started by marrying his highschool sweetheart Irma G. Saenz in December of 1956. They raised two sons and were married for nearly 65 years. Early in their marriage, Romeo proudly served in the United States Air Force. His first assignment was at Keesler AFB in Biloxi, Mississippi where he trained to be an air traffic controller. His second duty assignment was at Carswell AFB in Fort Worth, Texas. He was honorably discharged in 1962 and finally settled down in Corpus Christi, Texas.
Romeo believed in hard work and doing the job right the first time. He inherited from his parents a work ethic rich with integrity, quality, responsibility, discipline, and teamwork. It followed him everywhere he worked. Whether he was an attendant at the drive in movies, doing carpentry work with his father, as an air traffic controller, a Corpus Christi Firefighter or a pipefitter for Celanese in Bishop, Texas from where he ultimately retired.
Romeo had a great love for the outdoors and seized every moment to share adventures with his family, like camping trips to Garner State Park, fishing the Laguna Madre, or hunting in South Texas and Mancos Colorado. There were many trips and dances with "The Amigos Club" members and Irma's fondness for casinos inspired Romeo to organize memorable Las Vegas trips with friends.
Family meant everything to Romeo and he raised his family in a rapidly changing world. After he lost the love of his life, Irma, in June of 2021, the following three years were difficult and challenging. Even then, he was courageous and grateful for everything the good Lord had blessed him with. His devotion to family will ensure his legacy will live on for generations to come, inspiring those around him with his generosity, kindheartedness, and sincerity.
Romeo is preceded in death by his wife, Irma G. Saenz, parents Alejandro and Julia Saenz, brothers, Pete Saenz, Beto Saenz and sister, Hilda Guerra.
Romeo is survived by his sons, Romeo (Mary) Saenz Jr., Omar A. Saenz, grandchildren, Angela (Rick) Guerra, Natalia (Rob) Jacy, Omar (Kayla) Saenz Jr., Michael Romeo Saenz, Loren (Brook) Saenz, Skyler (Christian) Saenz, great-grandchildren, Mia Renee Guerra, Vincent Romeo Romanucci, Antonio Christopher Romanucci, Angelina Charlotte Romanucci, Hunter Romeo Saenz, Conner Timothy Macwithey, Damien James Macwithey, and Austin Kyle Macwithey. He was also survived by his sisters, Alicia Garza and Amparito Villarreal.
Many thanks to staff members at Christus Care and Christus Hospice, especially to Iris Galvan and Bethany Martinez.
A visitation for Romeo will be held Thursday, November 21, 2024 from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM at Funeraria Del Angel Everhart, 4901 Everhart Rd, Corpus Christi, Texas 78411. A holy rosary will occur Thursday, November 21, 2024 at 7:00 PM. A funeral mass will occur Friday, November 22, 2024 at 11:30 AM at Ss Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church, 3210 S Padre Island Drive, Corpus Christi, Texas 78415. Funeral services will occur Friday, November 22, 2024 at 1:00 PM at Coastal Bend State Veterans Cemetery, 9974 Ih 37 Access Rd, Corpus Christi, Texas 78410.
-A gathering for a meal and fellowship will follow immediately after services at Coastal Bend State Veterans Cemetery.-
