Alejandro Gutierrez Jr.

ALEJANDRO GUTIERREZ, JR.

March 28, 1929- May 09, 2023

Alejandro Gutierrez Jr., age 94, peacefully departed to his eternal home on May 9, 2023. His extraordinary simplicity, authentic presence and gentleman’s handshake touched all who knew him.  

Born to Alejandro and Margarita Gutierrez on March 28, 1929 in Oilton, Texas, Alejandro grew up in the ranching life. On his grandmother Maria Rita Mendoza’s ranch near Zapata, Texas, he raised cattle during his early married years and became an avid hunter and fisherman. He shared his love and respect for the land and animals with his children and grandchildren, teaching time-honored hunting and fishing practices—a legacy that will endure for generations.

Following graduation from Holding Institute, Alejandro worked at the Zapata County Courthouse before enlisting in the Army and serving in the Korean War. After three years in the armed forces in service to our country, he returned to Laredo to marry Elvira Martinez of San Ignacio and had seven children. Their 70-year marriage, a perfect union of souls, was a love story to behold. Alejandro held Elvira’s hand for hours one afternoon, vowing to take care of her always, not knowing that God would call him home first the following morning.

Alejandro defined for his family what it meant to be a Godly man of faith, a dedicated father and loyal husband. He balanced family with his 56-year career as a trustworthy salesman at Paul Young dealerships that earned him numerous awards and recognitions and was featured in the local newspaper which highlighted his achievements and unparalleled loyalty. Through his unwavering work ethic, he provided his children with private school education, countless lessons in the arts and sports, and the opportunity of a college education. Most importantly, Alejandro and Elvira gave their children a strong foundation of faith in Christ, our lord and savior—the greatest gift a parent can bestow.

Alejandro possessed an inner beauty that only comes from the pursuit of life's simple joys and a life well-lived. He was so strong. All who knew him saw and felt it.

He was preceded in passing by: his parents, Alejandro and Margarita Gutierrez, Sr.; siblings, Olivia Morales, Idolona Guardiola, and Graciela Gutierrez.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Elvira; his children, Melba (David) Henry, Alex (Thelma) Gutierrez, Diana (Oscar) Rodriguez, Sylvia (Bret) Drake, Rey (Jean) Gutierrez, Eddie (Lia) Gutierrez and David (Claudette) Gutierrez; his grandchildren, Cristina (Andrew) Baumgardner, Michael (Hayley) Gutierrez, Andrea (Brian) Lee, Edward (Alessandra) Drake, Michael Henry, Stephen (Rachael) Drake, Lexie Gutierrez, Heather (Ryan) Koogler, Rey (Analaila) Gutierrez, Kelley (Syndey) Gutierrez, Rachel (Jackson) Dyrhaug, David Gutierrez Jr., Alejandro O. Gutierrez; his great-grandchildren, Natalie, Lauren and Kathryn Baumgardner, Rafael and Gavin Gutierrez, Jacob and Noah Lee, Camila and Conrad Drake, Adison, Judah and Rhett Koogler, Oliver Gutierrez, and Gianna Gutierrez as well as many nephews and nieces.

Pallbearers are grandsons Michael Gutierrez, Edward Addison Drake, Michael Henry, Stephen Alexander Drake, Rey Gutierrez, David Gutierrez Jr., Kelley Gutierrez and Alejandro Oscar Gutierrez.

Honorary Pallbearers: Eduardo Gutierrez and David Gutierrez.

The family gives heartfelt gratitude to his God-sent, in-home caretakers Manuelita, Conchita, Maria

Louisa, Alma, Olga, Mayra, Betty and Geni who cared for him with love, dignity and compassion. We also

send special thanks to doctors Dr. J.R. Garcia of Laredo Specialty Hospital and Dr. Andres Garcia-Zuniga

and his caretakers from Mar-Del Home Health Adriana Lopez, RN, Miguel Arizola and Marta Arzemendi,

RN.

Funeral Services will be held on Tuesday, May 16, at Joe Jackson North Funeral Chapel on 1410 Jacaman Road at 8:00 am followed by a mass of Christian Burial at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church at 9 am where Alejandro and Elvira were long-time parish members.

Rite of Committal and Interment will immediately follow at the family plot in the Calvary Catholic Cemetery where Alejandro will receive Full Military Honors provided by the Laredo Veteran’s Honor Guard and presentation of the U.S. flag by the United States Army Honor Guard.

You may express your condolences, share your favorite memories, and sign the guestbook online at: www.joejacksonfuneralchapels.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care and direction of the funeral service professionals at Joe Jackson North Funeral Chapels & Cremation Services, 1410 Jacaman Rd., Laredo, Texas 78041; (956)722-8850. https://www.tukios.com/videos/1921632/details