Julian A. Gauna

In his teen years, he taught himself to play the guitar which began the journey to his music career and in him forming the Chicano music group, “Los Rejios de Julian Gaona. His greatest accomplishment came when he was named the “Best New Artist” at the Chicano Music awards ceremony held in Corpus Christi, Texas and was also awarded “Best New Single” for the song, “Otra Vez La Burra Al Maiz” in 1977. He recorded 2 albums and numerous records with Falcon Records of McAllen, Texas.

He is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Adela Longoria Gauna; children, Rosalie Balli, Mary Jane Whitehead (Donald), Margarita Adames (Albert), Sylvia Guerrero (John Ray), Lydia Cano (Reynaldo), Julian Gauna, Jr. (Diana), David Gauna (Delores), Cynthia Vasquez (Larry), Robert Gauna (Mary), Ernest Gauna (Jo Ann); sister, Janie Ramon (Juan); brother, Guadalupe Gauna (Paula); 26 grandchildren; 59 great grandchildren and 5 great-great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Ricardo “Ricky” Gauna; brother, Manuel Gauna and son-in-law, Daniel Balli.

A visitation will be held from 6 to 9 pm with a rosary to be recited at 7:00 pm on Thursday, May 5, 2016 at Colonial Funeral Home. A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 am on Friday, May 6, 2016 at Our Lady of Victory Cathedral with Father Christopher Fuchs officiating. Burial will follow at Resurrection Cemetery.

Grandsons, E.J. Gauna and Nathan Martinez will play several music selections.

Pallbearers will be Chris Balli, Johnny Cuellar, Alex Cruz, Michael Gauna, Ricky Adames, Alex Williams, Bobby Gauna and Brian Gauna.

Words of comfort may be shared with the family at www.colonialfuneralhomevictoria.com