Catarino “Cat” S. Saenz entered into eternal rest on Monday, November 14, 2022 at a nursing home in Falfurrias, Texas at the age of 89. He was born on November 18, 1932 to Manuel Saenz and Rosa Salinas Saenz in Concepcion, Texas. Cat proudly serviced in the United States Army during the Korean War. He married the love of his life, Estella Gutierrez, and together they raised three daughters.
Cat worked for Mr. Whitcher at the Texaco Gas Station and then became a Custodian and Bus Driver for Premont ISD for several years. He was a member and parishioner of the St. Theresa’s Catholic Church and a member of the Knights of Columbus.
He is preceded in death by parents; wife, Estella Gutierrez Saenz; brothers, Amando Saenz, Horacio Saenz and Baldemar Saenz and Son-in-law, Joe Ely Carrales.
Cat leaves behind to cherish his memories his daughters, Sandra Carrales of Premont, Texas, Pamela (Eladio) Gonzalez of Lewisville, Texas and Palmira (Samuel) Garcia of Falfurrias; brother, Anselmo (Marina) Saenz of Stafford, Texas; sister, Josefa “Pepa” Cantu of Concepcion; five grandchildren, Joe Ely (Norma) Carrales, III, Anthony (Margie) Carrales, Monica (Ryan) Marsh, Marcos (Heather) Gonzalez and Anna Mariah Garcia; 10 great-grandchildren, Micaela Carrales, Mia Carrales, Marc Carrales, Angelina Carrales, Matthew Carrales, Adelya Gonzalez, Gauge Gonzalez, Declan Gonzalez, Aubrey Marsh and James Marsh and numerous nieces, nephews and extended family members.
Pallbearers are Joe Ely Carrales, III, Anthony Carrales, Marcos Gonzalez, Roberto "Bobby" Cantu, Jr., Manuel Saenz and Joe Salinas. Honorary Pallbearers are Luis Saenz, Harold Saenz and Eloy Perez.
As a precaution, the family is requesting that all visitors please wear masks throughout the services.
A Rosary will be prayed at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 19, 2022 at the Funeraria Del Angel Howard Williams in Falfurrias with Visitation beginning at 9:00 a.m. Funeral Mass will follow at 11:30 a.m. at the St. Theresa’s Catholic Church in Premont with services to conclude with Burial at the Salinas Family Cemetery in Concepcion.
Special gratitude is expressed to the staff of Gulf Shores Nursing & Rehab and Nurses on Wheels hospice.