Andres Roman Saenz

Andres Roman Saenz of Falfurrias, passed away at a Corpus Christi hospital surrounded by his wife, family, and friends on January 18, 2006, at the age of 78. He graduated from San Diego High School in 1946. He married his wife, Jovita Trevino on February 3, 1952 in Alice. He served in the Navy from March 1952 to 1956. Most of his duty was aboard the USS Iowa. His tour of duty took him to Hawaii, Japan, England, Wales, Scotland, and Portugal. When the USS Iowa crossed the Panama Canal, Andres had the duty to guide the ship into each of the eight locks. He later served in Little Creek, Portsmouth, and Norfolk Virginia. He came home in March 1956 and was discharged with honors. He received the good conduct medal and other awards. He came home and started to work at Gardner Chevrolet as a parts manger. In 1973 he started his own business known as NAPA. He ran the business until 1993 when his voice started to fade. He had several treatments until he lost his voice completely in 2003. He served his community well, and was a member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Falfurrias. He was the first Eucharistic Minister serving faithfully until his voice faded. He taught bible class for almost 20 years. In the community he served on the Housing Authority Board for 14 years and the Utility Board for 12 years. During his terms there were many improvements. He took part in clean ups for the city, and also served as a member of the Band Booster Club. His families’ greatest pride was the book he wrote that was published by A&M Press through the Institute of Texan Cultures from San Antonio. The book "Early Ranching in Duval County" was based on his father’s ranch El Rancho Del Fresnillo and his mother’s ranch El Rancho San Jose. His book is being reviewed by Texas Travelers, the San Antonio Express and in the A&M Press Books List, and his book can be found at Barnes and Nobles and the Museum in Kingsville, Texas. He was preceded in death by his parents, Praxedis and Ydolina Saenz; two brothers, Jose and Pedro Saenz and two sisters, Marta Saenz and Amanda Saenz Perez.He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Jovita Trevino Saenz of Falfurrias, Texas; one daughter, Angelina Saenz Galvan of Falfurrias, Texas; three sons: Abel Ricardo Saenz and Arnoldo Rene Saenz both of Houston, Texas and Alfonso Roel (Susie) Saenz of Falfurrias, Texas; two brothers, Alejandro (Anita) Saenz of Premont, Texas and Fidencio (Carolina) Saenz of Concepcion, Texas and one sister Maria Saenz Vera of Premont; four grandchildren: B.H. Galvan of Austin, Texas, Ryan Allen Saenz of College Station, Texas, Chelsea Rae Saenz of Houston, Texas, and Jordon Ashley Saenz of Falfurrias, Texas and many nieces, nephews, and cousins and his aunt, Natalia S. Lopez of San Diego, Texas and the many special friends he has made throughout the years and in other places.Rosary will be held on Friday, January 20, 2006 at 7:00 p.m. at Alaniz Funeral Home in Falfurrias, Texas.Funeral Services will be held Saturday, January 21, 2006 at 10:30 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Falfurrias, Texas. Burial will follow at Falfurrias Burial Park. Funeral services under the arrangement of: Alaniz Funeral HomeFalfurrias, Texas(361) 325-5800