Henry Cruz Jr.

Henry Cruz Jr. 63, passed away Tuesday, January 17, 2012 in the Rotary House of Hope. Rosary will be at 7:00p.m. on Thursday, January 19, 2012 at Johnson’s Funeral Home. Funeral Mass will be at 10:00a.m. on Friday, January 20, 2012 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church with burial to follow in Lawnhaven Memorial Gardens.

Active Pallbearers will be Joe Vasquez, Paul Henry, Bryan, Ryan, Bradley, and Charlie Cruz Jr.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Bryan Vanzee, Vernon Hodges, Bill Follis, Gene Warren, Jimmy Cordova, John Ingles, as well as The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.

Henry was born February 13, 1948 in San Angelo, Texas to Henry and Oralia Cruz.

He was preceded in death by his daughter Cynthia.

Survivors include his wife Sylvia Cruz, daughter Brenda Rivas and husband Michael, sons Henry Cruz III and Charles Cruz and wife Melinda, grandchildren Paul Henry, Bryan, Cynthia, Bradley, Nolan, and Camryn as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Henry was an outdoorsman and loved to have and attend special events; he was a true believer in family always caring, giving, and willing to help even a stranger, this was the kind of person he was. He was a Master Cabinet Maker and had a business names Cruz Cabinets and Sons. In 1975 he started a second career at the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, he started with Fish Hatcheries 1 and 2 in San Angelo and for a brief period he went to Heart of the Hills Research Station in Ingram, Texas, and then was able to transfer back to Fish Hatchery 1 in San Angelo. Later Henry joined the Inland Fisheries Management Crew with district 1-c in San Angelo, because of his fish hatchery experience he was an even more valued Fisheries Management employee. While working for the TPWD he was able to contribute his carpentry skills to the department, he was sent throughout the state to contribute his skills where needed. In 2007 Henry achieved his greatest career accomplishment which was retiring after 30 years. He was very proud he was able to contribute to “fishing and outdoor recreation opportunities for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations” of Texans.

Henry helped 100’s of kid’s catch their first fish at West Texas Rehab and numerous other events, Henry also helped residents at various Nursing Homes to fish. He continued to volunteer for these events even after he retired. He took part in special projects at various lakes throughout Texas.

He loved to travel especially to Las Vegas for entertainment and PBR where they have been members and attended every final since it started.

Not only did he love cooking and carpentry he was a Boer Goat Rancher and he loved spending time with his family.