Rafael Guerra

Rafael Guerra age 93, passed away Thursday, December 8, 2022 at Kaweah Health Medical Center, Visalia, California. He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 70 years, Ida Treviño Guerra, his parents, and sisters Inez G. Carrera and Elmira Beeler. He is survived by his children Rachel A. Hart, Barbara Chudej Guerra and Cynthia L. Guerra, eight grandchildren: Aaron Rasor, Jessica Armstrong, Mary Geis, Trista Hart, Sara Gibble, Katherine Makowski, Emily Malone and Alex Malone and seven great-grandchildren: Allison Armstrong, Brayden Rasor, Stormi Bass, Cain Rasor, Leah Montejano, Lydia Makowski and Cameron Helwick as well as his remaining siblings Juan Manuel Guerra, Berta Bradley & Leonel Guerra. Rafael was born on February 16, 1929 in La Reforma, Texas to Manuel Guerra Sáenz and Francisca Ramirez Gera, both long-time residents of the La Reforma Ranch in Northern Starr County, the eldest of six children. He was of the original Spanish-speaking pioneers that colonized the area in the mid-18th century-being a direct lineal descendant of Francisco Antonio Guerra and Josefa de la Garza, among the heads of families that founded the city of Mier, Nuevo Santander, Mexico in 1753. Rafael’s ancestors were granted Mier Porción 66 by the Spanish Crown in 1767, in what is now Western Starr County, Texas. Rafael graduated as Valedictorian of San Isidro High School in 1946 at age 17, attended and graduated from Texas A&I University (now Texas A&M University, Kingsville, Texas) in 1950, receiving a Bachelor of Science degree. Upon graduation he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps. He served as Supply Chain Auditor for the Western United States during the Korean War. While on leave he married Ida Treviño on April 20, 1952. Ida joined him in San Francisco and their family began with the birth of two daughters Rachel (1953) and Barbara (1954). After his Honorable discharge with the rank of Sargent, he returned to Texas in 1954 and began his career as a visiting teacher. Their third daughter, Cynthia was born (1960), completing their family. He earned his Master of Business Administration degree in the early 60’s moving into Education Administration. After relocating to California in 1965 he continued his professional career in Farmersville, CA as Director of Compensatory Education and principal grant writer. He secured funds for the first elementary school library in the district. As his career progressed he moved to the Richgrove School District as Superintendent of Schools for nine years. After his retirement he stayed active in education as a substitute teacher until he was 80 years old. He always stressed the importance of education by example and encouragement. As a true educator and lifelong learner, he remained current on local and global events. He never failed to appreciate the right to vote and did so in every election without fail.Rafael was smart, funny, and witty and loved his sweets, sharing only grudgingly. He enjoyed going out to eat, going to the casino and even sharing a beer with friends.

Despite all his accomplishments he avoided the spotlight remaining humble, generous and exceedingly kind. His final act of generosity was his humanitarian gift as a donor.