Jose Roel Alaniz

Jose Roel Alaniz, 85, of Falfurrias, TX, passed away Monday, September 7, 2015, surrounded by his loving family. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and brother who will be dearly missed by all. He was a true cowboy and touched the lives of many with his heart of gold, jovial personality, and a smile that would light up a room. He was a member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Parish. He served in the United States Army during the Korean War and retired from the Texas Department of Transportation and from his trade of horseshoeing. Roel enjoyed spending time with his family and working at the ranch. He had a passion for rodeos and horse racing. He was a well-known owner and trainer of race horses.

He is preceded in death by his wife of 57 years, Aida S. Alaniz; his parents, J.M. and Dora Alaniz; grandson, Paul Grimes, III; and son-in-law, Michael Ruggiero. He is survived by his four children, Roel Alaniz, Jr. of Falfurrias, Oma (Francisco) Guerra of Laredo, Berlinda (Paul) Grimes of Robstown, and Lisa Ruggiero of Austin; five grandchildren, Francisco Guerra, III, Emily Kayte (Aldo) Maldonado, Roel Alaniz, III, Jake and Madison Ruggiero; one great-grandchild, J’La Alaniz; one brother, Orlando Alaniz of Laredo, two sisters, Hilda (Oscar) Hinojosa of Falfurrias and Dora (Tony) Garza of Falfurrias; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers will be Jose Roel Alaniz, III, Jake Ruggiero, Francisco Guerra, III, Aldo Maldonado, Jr., Joel Hinojosa and Louie Garcia.

Madison Ruggiero will be performing a special song: 10,000 Reasons by Matt Redman for her grandfather.

Rosary will be recited at 7:00 p.m. on Friday, September 11, 2015 at the Funeraria Del Angel Howard Williams in Falfurrias with visitation beginning at 5:00 p.m. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 12, 2015 at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Falfurrias. Burial will follow at the Falfurrias Burial Park with Military Honors.