John Ybarra Muniz

Heaven received John Ybarra Muniz in the early morning hours of Sunday, January 29th, 2023, after a 9-year battle with numerous aggressive cancers. He was surrounded by his wife Yolanda (Yoli) Muniz of 53 years, his doting daughter Brandi Gutierrez and his loving niece Vanessa Henson at St. David’s South Hospital ICU in Austin. Texas.

John was born on May 18, 1947, in Comfort, Texas to Florencia & Pablo Muniz, Sr., the youngest of 5 children. He is survived by his devoted wife, Yoli Muniz; Daughter Brandi Muniz Gutierrez; Son-in-law Rey Gutierrez, Jr., 2 adoring grandchildren: Katie Marie Gutierrez and Rey Gutierrez, III; Sister Paula Paiz (Willie Paiz, deceased) from Greeley, Colorado, Sisters-in law Vera Castillo, Emily Sanchez (Raul), Mary Henson (Rudy), Bea Castillo, Pauline Faircloth (Wayne); and numerous Muniz/Castillo nieces, nephews, grand nieces and grand nephews, cousins, and many special friends. He was preceded in death by his parents Pablo and Florencia Muniz; his sisters Sulema Castro and Juanita Paiz (John); brother Pablo Muniz, Jr. (Cecilia), mother-in-law Emilia Castillo; and sister-in-law Teresa Castillo Arizola (Art).

John honorably served his country in the United States Army, serving during the Vietnam era as a medic. He was extremely patriotic with a fierce love for his country. That love continued through his involvement with the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) locally.

Years later, John began his professional career with a mapping company - skillfully and artfully drafting maps of the United States. After his military service, he worked at St. Vincent Hospital (Los Angeles, CA) as a surgical assistant. He and Yoli relocated to Austin in 1973 after experiencing a massive earthquake in Los Angeles! He then worked as a proficient pressman for many years in Austin before his retirement.

John and Yoli have been active members of St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church in Austin since 1991. John was a fully participating member of the Knights of Columbus Council 8156 for many years prior to his enduring many health issues. During that time, he was recognized as “Knight of the Month” by his council.

John’s quick and dry humor brought much laughter to those he loved. That love for laughter is instilled in us for a lifetime. He had a witty and hilarious observation of any situation in life – personally nicknaming most everyone in his immediate circle of family and friends. He also had an amazing memory of childhood in his hometown of Comfort, Texas, with instinctively vivid entertaining stories from throughout his life. Undeniably, he had a definite passion for adventure, particularly in his early childhood! Besides John’s involvement in Cub/Boy Scouts, he and his many neighborhood friends spent countless hours entertaining mischief (shenanigans) at their best! From his early beginnings, John was an avid fisherman and loved working outdoors. His green thumb produced gardens that were legendary! To that end, one of his love languages was feeding others. In that respect, he was a master in grilling and barbecuing – a league all his own! His specialty was his prized brisket! In years prior to his illness, he absolutely loved entertaining family and friends with frequent get-togethers. He purposefully prepared large amounts of food so that no one was left hungry.

John’s attributes were many but courage, dedication, loyalty, resilience, respectfulness, and his willingness to help others were among his greatest. He was authentically and wholeheartedly faithful to all those in his life until the very end.

John’s unparalleled joy came from his wife Yoli, his beloved daughter Brandi, his son-in-law Rey (the ‘son’ he never had!); his precious grandchildren Katie Marie and Little Rey (John’s little “Peanut”). The memories they created together will last a lifetime! His strong family values are his legacy – forever gently reminding us that life is meaningful with acts of love and service. John’s deep faith touched the lives of many, particularly these past few years as he faced and battled his cancer challenges head-on. Prayer was the key to his morning and the bolt for his evening. Most assuredly, John was indelibly an amazing man of valor. After all, he was the heart and soul of his family. His glimmer of Light will live on in each of us.

The Muniz/Gutierrez family would like to express deep gratitude to the oncology team at Texas Cancer Specialists, specifically Dr. Shannon Cox, Dr. Brian Shimkus, nurse Regina Gualdin and all their staff for their unwavering skilled and compassionate treatment of John through the years. We give thanks to the staff at St. David’s Hospital South Intensive Care Unit for their specialized and attentive care of John in his last days. We remain forever grateful.

While the family certainly appreciates flowers, please feel free to make a donation to the American Cancer Society in John’s memory. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Cook Walden Forest Oaks Funeral Home, 6300 West William Cannon Drive, Austin, Texas 78749.

A visitation will be held on Tuesday, February 14, 2023, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Cook-Walden/Forest Oaks Funeral Home, 6300 West William Cannon Drive, Austin, Texas 78749 with a rosary service to follow at 7:00 PM.

The funeral mass will take place on Wednesday, February 15, 2023, at 10:00 AM at St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church, 4800 Convict Hill Rd, Austin, Texas 78749 with a graveside service to follow at 11:00 AM at Cook-Walden/Forest Oaks Memorial Park, 6300 West William Cannon Drive, Austin, Texas 78749. A reception will follow at St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church, 4800 Convict Hill Rd, Austin, Texas 78749 at 12:00 PM.