Juan M Gaona

He was born on December 6, 1955, in McAllen, Texas, and was the eldest son of Clara Ortiz and Jesus Gaona and the brother of five younger siblings. Growing up in Laredo, Texas, he graduated from Raymond & Tirza Martin High School, where he served on the Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps (JROTC) Singing Cadets and, in 2024, was inducted into the school's hall of fame, the Tiger Legends, as a member of the celebrated precision drill team. He then attended and graduated from the Texas State Technical College in Harlingen, Texas.

He married his beloved wife, Maria M. Gaona, in 1984, and together raised their two sons. Building a family rooted in love and respect, he taught his sons about hard work, responsibility, and the importance of family. He leaves behind an incredible legacy his family will carry forward.

He dedicated decades to his career at AEP Texas (formerly CPL), first in the Laredo District and then the Rio Grande Valley District, before retiring in 2022 after 35 years of service.

Many will remember him for his kindness, humor, and love for the University of Texas Longhorns, his youngest son's alma mater, and America’s Team, the Dallas Cowboys.

His memory will live on in the hearts of all those who loved him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Clara Ortiz and Jesus Gaona, and is survived by his wife of 42 years, Maria M. Gaona, and his children Juan M. Gaona, Jr. (Gustavo Cantu) and Jose E. Gaona.

Visitation will be held at Heavenly Grace Funeral Home & Memorial Park, 26873 N. White Ranch Road, La Feria, Texas 78559, on October 13, 2026, from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm, with a prayer service at 7:00 pm.

A Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, 502 S. Canal St., La Feria, TX 78559, followed by a burial at 11:00 a.m. at Heavenly Grace Funeral Home & Memorial Park.