Guadalupe S. Canales

Guadalupe S. "Lupe" Canales, 73, of Hebbronville, passed away peacefully on February 9, 2014, at his home with his wife of 48 years, Yolanda, and his 5 children at his side. The family will welcome visitors at the Funeraria Del Angel Howard-Williams, 401 Texas, Hebbronville, on Wednesday, February 12 beginning at 4:00 pm with a Rosary at 7:00 pm. A funeral Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, February 13 at 10:00 am at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, 504 E Santa Clara St, Hebbronville. Burial will follow at the New Hebbronville Cemetery.

Guadalupe was a remarkable man of deep faith, keen intellect, and robust humor, who served his family and community through his lifelong commitment to education and public service. He was a dedicated teacher, successful entrepreneur, and elected public official and his legacy lives on through countless students and families who were positively affected by his generosity, infectious laughter and vision of hope for his community.

Born October 21, 1940, in Salineno Ranch, TX to Loreto and Dolores Canales, he graduated from Hebbronville High School in 1959 before earning his bachelor's degree from Texas A&I in Kingsville in 1963 and his master's degree from North Texas State in Denton in 1971.

He was a beloved science teacher at Hebbronville High School for many years, positively shaping the lives of generations of students. The words of Henry Brooks Adams, "a teacher affects eternity; he can never tell where his influence stops, " truly reflects Guadalupe's life.

As a business owner, he provided opportunities for his community and developed lasting friendships with the people of Hebbronville. He was proud to serve Jim Hogg County as a County Commissioner and Judge. An accomplished elected official, his service was marked by a commitment to bettering the lives of individuals and his community as a whole. His humor and compassion endeared him to many over the course of his life in the public realm.

Most importantly, he was a family man who was deeply proud of his children and grandchildren. He delighted in their successes, but even more so in their personalities and passions. He adored his family and will eternally reunite with his parents, his siblings Roel, Rene, and Elma, and his granddaughter, Kathy Soliz, who was very dear to him. He is survived by his wife, Yolanda; daughters: Yvette Soliz and husband Ricardo of Austin, Sylvia Martinez and husband Eloy of Zapata, Laura Canales and husband Hector Dominguez of Hebbronville; sons: Victor Canales of Austin, Loreto Canales of Austin; siblings: Elva Garcia, Olga Ramos and Larry Canales; 12 grandchildren and great grandchildren; and many beloved cousins, nephews, and nieces. Pallbearers for the service will include his two sons, and grandsons Ricky Soliz, Eloy Martinez, Jr., and Eric and Isaac Dominguez.

We remember Guadalupe’s unconditional kindness, generosity, humor and service, knowing that eternal peace is now his.

In lieu of flowers, you may send donations to Guadalupe Canales' beloved Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, 504 E.Santa Clara, Hebbronville, Tx. 78361; or, Sacred Heart Children's Home, 3310 S. Zapata Hwy, Laredo, Tx. 78046.