Rafael M. Cuellar Jr.

Rafael M. Cuellar Jr., age 74, a resident of Sarita, Texas passed away Tuesday, May 8, 2012 in Corpus Christi, Texas after a long illness. He was born December 16, 1937 in Kingsville, Texas to Rafael C. Cuellar Sr. and Teresa Mayorga Cuellar. Mr. Cuellar was involved in law enforcement most of his life. He was a constable, deputy sheriff, chief deputy sheriff and retired as sheriff of Kenedy County in 2000. He was a lifelong member of the Texas Sheriff Association and Coastal Bend Peace Officers Association. Mr. Cuellar had previously been employed for the San Pedro Kenedy Ranch. He was a member of Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, Sarita.

Mr. Cuellar was preceded in death by his parents; and sister, Estella Guevara.

He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Anita Cuellar of Sarita; one son, Rafael Cuellar III of Sarita; three sisters, Elena Vela (Reynaldo) of Riviera, Texas, Lupita Cuellar of Sarita and Gloria Garcia (Ramiro) of Robstown, Texas; two brothers, Juan M. Cuellar (Eva) of Riviera and Pablo Cuellar of Riviera; one granddaughter, Desiree Cuellar of Corpus Christi, Texas; numerous nieces and nephews; and brother-in-law, Juan Guevara Sr. of Sarita..

Visitation will take place on Thursday, May 10, 2012 from 3:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. at the Turcotte-Piper Mortuary Chapel. Rosary will be recited at 7:00 p.m. Thursday, May 10, 2012 at the Turcotte-Piper Mortuary Chapel. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. Friday, May 11, 2012 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, Sarita, with Fr. Jim Foelker, O.M.I., as celebrant. Burial will follow in Riviera, Texas at Riviera Cemetery.

Services are entrusted to Turcotte-Piper Mortuary, 205 General Cavazos Blvd., Kingsville, Texas.