Cuauhtémoc Sáenz

Cuauhtémoc Senz, 91, was called home to our heavenly father on Friday, September 25, 2015. Temo was born and raised in Laredo, Texas. In 1942, upon graduating from Martin High School, he enlisted in the armed forces and proudly served in the United States Army Air Corps. He served in the European Theater of Operations in World War II as an armorer gunner in a B-24 bomber with the 8th Air Force stationed in England. His military awards include the Air Medal, Good Conduct Medal, the European Theater Operations Medal, American Defense Medal, and the World War II Victory Medal. After being honorably discharged in 1945, he enrolled at the University Of Texas at Austin, and received a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering. He was at the Laredo Resident Office of the Texas Highway Department throughout his engineering career. Some of his most memorable projects included bringing in Interstate 35 from the Webb-La Salle county line to International Bridge at the Rio Grande, Falcon and Amistad Dam Projects, the Laredo Tourist Bureau, and the expansion of Saunders St. Temo was an avid hunter, fisherman, and expert marksman. He was one of the founders, lifelong member, and former president of the Laredo Rifle and Pistol Club and enjoyed reloading ammunition for family and friends. We all have a kaleidoscope of memories that defined him; His smile, his warmth, his energy, and his love for life will be cherished in our hearts forever. He leaves an amazing legacy behind, and for that we will always be grateful. He is preceded in death by his parents, Cuauhtemoc and Apolinar Saenz; loving wife, Victoria "Toya" Saenz; sister, Zulema Daves; and his eldest granddaughter, Genevra "Pookie" Saldivar. He is survived by his children, Dr. Daniel (Patricia) Saenz, Teresa (Kevin) Kelley, Amanda S. Benavides and Sergio D. Garcia, and Victor Saenz; brothers and sisters, Dr. Michael (Nancy) Saenz, Leonor (John) Daves, and Dora (Leon) Best; grandchildren, Jessica (Oscar) Solis, Camille, Daniel, and Oliver Saenz, Damiana, Adan, Lisbeth, and Emille Benavides; and by numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and great grandchildren. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, September 29, 2015 from 5 to 9 p.m. at Joe Jackson Heights Funeral Chapels; where a Vigil for the Deceased and Rosary will commence at 7 p.m. Funeral Services will be conducted on Wednesday morning, September 30, 2015 departing at 8:30 a.m. from Joe Jackson Heights Funeral Chapels to Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church for a Mass of Christian Burial at 9 a.m. Pallbearers will be: Adan Manuel Benavides, John R. Daves, Jr., Sergio Daniel Garcia, Mark D. Willett, Kevin J. Kelley, George E. Daves, Daniel C. Saenz Jr., and Oliver P. Saenz. Honorary Pallbearers will be: Dr. Michael K. Saenz, Stephen Best, David Best, Manuel "Guero" Benavides, Oscar M. Solis Jr., and Daniel Saldivar. The Rite of Committal and Interment will follow at the family plot in the Calvary Catholic Cemetery. Military Honors will be provided by the US Airforce Honor Guard as well as the American Legion Post 59. You may express your condolences and sign the guestbook online at: www.joejacksonfuenralchapels.com Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the care and direction of the funeral service professionals at Joe Jackson Heights Funeral Chapels, 719 Loring at Cortez, Laredo, Texas 78040; (956) 722-0001.