Calixto Gracia

Kelly was born on January 1, 1927 in, Bustamante, Texas to Santiago Gracia and Maria Nieves Vela. He was one of 8 brothers and sisters. His mother died prematurely when he was about 10, and he took care of his younger brother Roy and worked on the family ranch, El Peredeno, in Zapata, until he was drafted into the army at the age of 18. He entered the Army in 1945 and served as paratrooper, fighting in the Japanese Theater in WWII. He was recognized with several medals.

After the war he came back to help his family on the ranch. He eventually went to school to learn welding, and subsequently moved into a welding job with a company that made ocean oil rigs.. He was promoted to a foreman position, and worked in this area until 1983 when he had a medical retirement. He lived in Corpus Christi for many years with his wife Zocorro, her four children, David Parado, Theodora (Teddy) Cipriano, Diana Alvarado and Paul Gracia and they had one son together, Calixto Harvey (CH). Zocorro passed away in 1989.

Kelly met Mary Helen for the first time at a church conference in McAllen. The following July they met again at the School of Missions in Kerrville, and were married on March 17, 1990. Mary Helen had two sons prior to the marriage, Orlando Romero and Josue’ Romero. Kelly was a loving grandfather, involved with Josue’s two sons, Aaron and Joaquin Romero from birth.

Throughout his life he enjoyed working outdoors, and riding his tractor, tilling the land on his ranch in Zapata to plant his watermelons and other produce. He never sold his crops. Instead, he was very generous in distributing his harvest to senior homes in Zapata, Corpus Christi, and San Antonio.

Throughout his life he was very devout, active in church work and belonged to the United Methodist Men. He enjoyed traveling and had a wonderful time with Mary Helen traveling around the US in their big RV. Later in life he enjoyed time with is grandsons Aaron and Joaquin, and loved seeing them grow up.

Kelly is preceded in death by his parents, his 6 brothers and 2 sisters (Jose’, Manuel, Santiago, Arturo, Oscar, Roy and Gertrudes and Maria), his first wife Zocorro, 3 of her children (David, Theodora, Diana), and their son, CH and granddaughter Veronica.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Helen Gracia; stepsons Paul Gracia, Orlando Romero and Josue’ Romero, Grandsons Robert James Gracia (Allison) of Corpus Christi, Granddaughter Jennifer Gracia of Corpus Christi, Arthur James Alvarez (Heather) of Missouri, Anthony Alvarez, Rodrigo Cipriano, Jr.of Corpus Christi, Paul’s children: Colleen, Yvonne, Michelle and Cystal, and Grandsons Aaron Romero and Joaquin Romero, many great grandchildren and one great, great granddaughter.

Visitation and Funeral

A prayer service will be held Wednesday, March 22nd at 7 pm at Sunset North Funeral Home (910 N. Loop 1604 E, San Antonio, TX 78232). Visitation will start at 5 pm.

A church service will be held Thursday, March 23rd at 10:30 am at Oak Meadow United Methodist Church (2740 Hunters Green, San Antonio, TX 78231) followed by a processional to the burial at Mission South Cemetery.