John Reyes Sr.

John Reyes Sr. was born December 27th, 1917 in Harlingen, Texas. On Saturday, May 17th, 2014, surrounded by his loving family, John went up to join the Lord. John is preceded in death by his parents, Hilario Reyes and Dolores Zepeda Reyes, and by his three loving great-grandchildren, Arthur Castillo, Joseph Castillo and Karianne Castillo.

John was the only child of Hilario Reyes and Dolores Zepeda Reyes. He is survived by his loving wife of 76 years, Eleanor Gonzales Reyes; children; Ophelia R. Nieto (Jennie), Dolores E. Castillo, Dora E. Cuellar and husband, Roy, John Reyes Jr., Barbara A. Reyes, Roberta A. Whitefield; grandchildren; Delora Nieto-Gomez (RoAnn) and husband, David, Natalie Nieto, Robert Castillo, Ted Castillo and wife, Sonia, J.T. Castillo, Roger Castillo, Nancy Cuellar, Roy Cuellar and wife, Annie, Ronald Cuellar, Randi Dryden, John Andrew Reyes, Hayley Turner and husband, Cameron, Hillary Reyes, Tara Whitefield, great-grandchildren; Diego Gomez, Dario Gomez, Allen Boyd Castillo, Kimberly Castillo, Barbara Castillo, Angelina Castillo, Melissa Castillo, Angelo Castillo, Sarah Castillo, Raina Boyd, Korinna Kirchhoff and husband, Jon, Kristen Cuellar, J.D. Enriquez and wife, Jamie, Alec Cuellar, Andrew Dryden, Landon Turner, Elizabeth Reyes, great-great-grandchildren; Brittney Castillo, Harper Enriquez, Eli Thompson, Dexter Thompson among a host of other family and friends.

John Reyes lived a long and prosperous life (Proverbs 3:2). He was a loving husband, incredible father, wonderful grandfather, devoted Christian and a friend to many near and far. His is a huge loss for our family and friends.

John was an obedient son. His incredible work ethic began at a very young age. As a young boy, he worked as a messenger for Western Union. He finished high school in the 11th grade. A few years later, he married his wife, Eleanor Gonzales, in Houston, Texas. In 1943, John joined the U.S. Army, where he worked in radio communications using Morse code until 1945. As the years passed, John’s family continued to grow. He had six children and numerous grandchildren when he decided to embark upon a career in a hot-shot delivery service. John Reyes was a small business owner of J.R. & Son’s Direct Delivery Service for over 35 years. He employed many young men and women in his community. He was the type of person who was always there for you in time of need. If you had a flat tire, he would call AAA for you, if you were hungry, he would feed you, if needed somewhere to stay, he would offer you a bed. When John Reyes spoke, he used a firm but loving voice, offering notable advice not only as a business owner but as a caring father, grandfather and friend.

As a young man, John loved riding motorcycles, watching boxing matches, going crabbing and fishing, and taking long road trips to “nowhere” (adventures in getting lost). He enjoyed his morning runs for Shipley donuts, family trips to San-Antonio, “tinkering” in the garage, good food, playing with his dogs, and simply spending as much time as possible with his family. His family was number one in his life and in his prayers. Mr. Reyes has left a legacy in all that knew him and loved him.

We will miss you greatly but have comfort knowing we will see you soon in heaven as promised (I Thessalonians 4:13-18).