Alfredo Enrique Guerra, Jr

ALFREDO ENRIQUE GUERRA, JR.

April 18, 1933 – November 19, 2024

 Alfredo Enrique Guerra, Jr., 91, peacefully passed away at Brookdale Oakwell Assisted Living Community in San Antonio on November 19, 2024. Born and raised in Laredo, Alfredo is the great-grandson of Dionisio Guerra, one of three Guerra brothers who successfully settled the community of Los Ojuelos near Mirando City in Webb County in 1857. Alfredo graduated from Martin High School and earned his B.A. as well as a master’s degree in history at A & I University in Kingsville. Alfredo served four years in the U.S. Air Force as an Airman First Class, spending his tour of duty in Okinawa, Japan, where he worked as a radio operator and became a ping pong champion. He joined the faculty of Christen Middle School as a history teacher and spent most of his career in that position. He also taught middle school in the Harlingdale School District in San Antonio. A hard worker, when not in the classroom he also worked part-time as an Adult ESL teacher and as an Immigration Service agent at the U.S.-Mexico Bridge. Later in his career, he worked as the Director of the Upward Bound Program at Laredo Junior College, a program that provided college opportunities for at-risk high school students. After retirement, he returned briefly to teaching at an alternative high school in Laredo. 

Reflecting on his long career in education, he once remarked that he felt the most important gift he offered as a teacher was to his middle school students who were boys because he strived to be a good role model for them at a time when there were so few male teachers. He took pride when former students thanked him for being a good teacher and especially when a few said he inspired them to become teachers. 

In 1962, Alfredo married the love of his life, Thelma, a fellow public-school teacher. They had four children who they raised in Laredo, as well as a few years in San Antonio. The happy couple spent decades socializing with friends and compadres, and they relished dancing to live music at society dances. Alfredo was a community leader serving in the Elks Club of Laredo and becoming the Exalted Ruler. He also joined the Retired Teachers Association of Laredo and served as an officer, as did Thelma. Together they advocated on behalf of retired teachers in Austin and attended conferences in the U.S. and once in Canada. They also enjoyed monthly lunches and game playing with their Bunco Club where they enjoyed fun times with close friends. 

Alfredo was an avid sports fan who followed the Spurs, the Cowboys, and the Astros. He rarely missed a game on television and relished the opportunities he had to attend games in person. For his 90th birthday, he received a Military Tribute between innings at an Astros game in Houston where he received a standing ovation. In addition to sports, Alfredo also loved travel with family, spending time with his kids, grandkids and great-granddaughter. For several years, he looked forward to trips with his friend Juan Medina to the casino in Kickapoo. Alfredo was part of a group of men who met every morning for many years at the McPherson Whataburger for coffee and camaraderie.

Alfredo was preceded in death by his parents, Alfredo and Maria Guerra, and his uncle Gustavo Lozano. 

He is survived by his wife, Thelma, his children Sandra Guerra Thompson (Jim), Thelma Cuellar (Daniel), Ricardo Guerra (Maria), and David Guerra. He had five grandchildren: Andrea Menchaca (Diego), Daniel Cuellar, Andrew Garcia (Melissa), Michelle Guerra and Melissa Guerra, as well as one great-granddaughter, Carolina Menchaca.

The family will be receiving condolences on Friday morning, November 22, 2024 from 8:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. at Joe Jackson North Funeral Chapels & Cremation Services, 1410 Jacaman Rd.; where a Vigil for the Deceased and Rosary will commence at 9:00 a.m.

Funeral Services will be conducted on Friday morning, November 22, 2024 departing at 9:30 a.m. from Joe Jackson North Funeral Chapels to St. Patrick Catholic Church for a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00a.m.

Rite of Committal and Interment will follow at the family plot of the Calvary Catholic Cemetery. 

Pallbearers will be: Ricardo Guerra, David Guerra, Danny Cuellar, Jim Thompson, Danny Cuellar, Jr. and Andrew Garcia.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Casa de Misericordia.

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.