Manuel Rene Gomez

Manuel Rene Gomez was born in Guerra, Texas, on March 1, 1932, to his loving parents Emeterio Gomez and Maria del Refugio Gomez. His dearest siblings are Zoila Zocorro Lopez (Antonio), Mauro Roquel Gomez (Carmen), and Francisco Geronimo Gomez (Nydia). He is married to his darling wife Guadalupe Elva Gomez. Survived by his devoted daughter Gloria Diana Perez (Julio), and granddaughter Elyza Rodriguez (Joaquin).

Throughout the course of his life, Manuel Rene Gomez lived with gratitude for what he had and those in his life had had been blessed to know. From taking the pledge to be a boy scout in elementary school, to working as a shoe shine boy at age 8, and contributing what he could at home and at the ranch, he had already begun shaping into a reliable young man whose resolve was to be helpful to his family and friends.

In 1951, while working at the Piggily Wiggly grocery store in Hebbronville, Texas, he first gazed upon the love of his life as she entered into the store. It was Manuel’s charm and kindness that won over Elva’s heart and her parents’ approval for her hand in marriage. In 1954, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Mission in Bruni, Texas, they were forever united in love and marriage. In 1957, they were blessed with one beautiful daughter, Gloria Diana, and in 1986, one granddaughter, Elyza.

Another pivotal event taking place in 1951, was Manuel’s decision to join the United States Army upon his graduation from Hebbronville High school. As difficult as it was having to be apart from Elva at times, he knew that this sacrifice would help build a future and provide for his family. While apart by distance, they sent each other letters filled with reminders of their devotion and everlasting love for one another.

Manuel admirably served his country for 20 years. In 1954, through 1955, he served in Germany with an engineer unit, and there again in 1965, through 1968, with a Pershing missile battalion. He was stationed in Korea in 1959, through 1960, with a signal battalion. Served in Vietnam from 1970, through 1971, as a team leader with a personnel service company. During the course of his service, Manuel was awarded two Army Commendation Medals. In 1971, during his retirement ceremony at Fort Sam Houston, Texas, Staff Sergeant Manuel Rene Gomez was presented with the Meritorious Service Medal by Col. E. C. Camp, Fifth Army deputy Chief of staff. Manuel was honored for his outstanding meritorious service as administrative supervisor, administrative branch, in the Fifth Army personnel office.

Thereafter, Manuel utilized his resourcefulness and became an electrician in San Antonio, Texas. He then continued to be an electrician even after moving to Bruni, Texas, in 1977, to be closer to his wife’s parents as they advanced in age.

Manuel’s dynamic spirit led him to take part in countless adventures around the world. Nevertheless, for him, the best days were spent at home surrounded by his family and friends at the dinner table. No matter the city or country he happened to be living in, he was known for his hospitality and impressive cooking skills. Growing up on a ranch, he enjoyed the outdoors and set off to hunt and fish as much as he could. He constantly enjoyed picking up new skills in carpentry, and had a knack for carving any material into a keepsake for his loved ones to remember him by. Manuel’s charm, quick wit, and storytelling skills were legendary. He was a faithful friend, and an exemplary Husband, Father, and Grandfather. He recognized the full worth of each day he had been blessed with, took pride in what he did, and gave back to others without hesitation.

On January 5, 2020, after almost 5 years since her passing, Manuel’s long-awaited reunion with his darling wife came to be. As a resident of the Frank M. Tejeda Texas State Veterans Home in Floresville, Texas, he was bestowed a gallant farewell. While the Military “Taps” melody played in the background, the United States flag was placed on top of his gurney. So began his procession through the Veterans Home. The nurses that cared for him, followed his Daughter and Son-In Law out into the main hall. His fellow peers joined in, and then lined up on each side of the hall and doorway. Manuel Rene Gomez received hand salute after hand salute, for his patriotism, integrity, and the honorable life he led.

Holy Rosary will be prayed at 7:00 p.m. on Friday, January 10, 2020 at Funeraria Del Angel Howard-Williams in Hebbronville with Visitation beginning at 4:00 p.m. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 11, 2020 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Bruni, Texas with the Burial to follow at the Greenhill Cemetery in Jim Hogg County.

Following services will be a reception at the Civic Center in Bruni.