Jose A. Saenz Jr.

JOSE A. SAENZ, JR.
McALLEN - Jose A. Saenz, Jr., 69, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, brother and friend, entered into the kingdom of eternal life on Saturday, February 2, 2008, after a courageous battle with cancer.
Joe, as he was lovingly known, was born in Pharr, Texas on June 6, 1938 to Jose A. and Maria Perez Saenz.
He graduated from McAllen High School in 1958. Joe married the love of his life, Maria Elena Rivera, in 1959. He was employed with Azteca Loan Company and Azteca Furniture Company for 15 years. In 1974 he successfully became the owner of Azteca Loan Company until 1980 when he sold the company. Joe went on to work for Montgomery Ward for the next five years. He relocated his family to Austin, Texas for six years until he decided that the Valley was "home" for him. Once back in McAllen he worked for Ceballos Funeral Home and for the last eight years with his son's company, J. E. Saenz and Associates, Inc., in Edinburg.
Joe was actively involved in his church, El Divino Redentor United Methodist Church. He served as Lay Leader, Chairman of the Administrative Board, Treasurer, Youth counselor and most currently as a volunteer for its food pantry. He served as a board member with the United Methodist Campus Ministry at the University of Texas at Pan American for over 13 years. Joe enjoyed life, his children, grandchildren and serving the Lord.
Preceding Joe in death are his parents, Jose A. and Maria; and two granddaughters, Rebecca Cine Gaitan and Jasmine Green.
Left to cherish his memories are his true love of 49 years, Maria Elena; five children, Jose Eduardo (Sandra Lee) of Edinburg, Ernesto (Paula) of Waco, Elias (Rosemary) Saenz, of McAllen, Margot (Harold) Green of Pflugerville and Michelle Zulaica of Austin; three sisters, Olga (Josue) Molina of McAllen, Alma (Juan) Navarro, of Mission, Janie Vargas, of Harlingen; eight grandchildren, Florinda, Ernesto, Roxanne, Cassandra Lee, Eileen Marie, Michael A. Saenz, Ashlee Gaitan, Avery Zulaica; five step-grandchildren, Courtney, Whitney, Dominic, Harold Green III, Adeline Pena; four great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
The family would like to thank the staff at Edinburg Regional Medical Center, Sandi Jo Funk Hospice, El Divino Redentor United Methodist Church and all family and friends who provided their comfort and support throughout this difficult time in our lives.
Visitation will be held from 5 to 9 p.m., with a 7 p.m. prayer service today, February 3, 2008, at Memorial Funeral Home, 208 East Canton, in Edinburg. Funeral service will be at 9 a.m. Monday, February 4, 2008, at El Divino Redentor United Methodist Church in McAllen. Entombment of cremated remains will be at 3 p.m. Monday, February 4, 2008, at Roselawn Mausoleum in McAllen. Pallbearers will be Eddie Saenz, Ernesto Saenz, Ernesto Saenz, Jr., Josue Rolando Molina, Harold Green and Elias Saenz.
In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorial contributions be made to United Methodist Campus Ministry of the Rio Grande Valley, 123 N. Sugar Road, Edinburg, Texas, 78539.
Funeral services are under the direction of Memorial Funeral Home in Edinburg.