FIDEL F. PEREZ

FIDEL F. PEREZ EDINBURG - Fidel F. Perez, a beloved son of Christ the King, was called to be with Our Lord on Saturday September 28, 2013 at the age of 82. He was a man of strong will, courage, and determination. He is survived by his wife, Agapita, son, Leo Dan Perez (Letty), daughter Della Fay Perez-Rodriguez (John), daughter Nancy Perez, 8 grandchildren, Amanda Lee Garcia, Gerardo Garcia Jr., Rebekah Elyse Garcia, Olivia Alaina Garcia, Ava Kathryn Perez, John Matthew Rodriguez, Ryan Alexander Perez, and Michael Andrew Rodriguez; sisters Jane P. Garcia and Lilia P. Cruz, and numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents: Leopoldo & Rosenda Perez, and sister Petra Perez. Fidel was born and raised in Falfurrias by a loving Catholic family. He grew up on the family farm and ranch, Loma Blanca Ranch. After graduating from Falfurrias High School, he attended Texas A&I University in Kingsville and Business school in Corpus Christi. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Education and a Bachelor of Business. He was a veteran of the United States Army and served our country in the Korean Conflict. He was a Private first class assigned to the Messenger Division. His tour of duty was from 1957-1959. He was a true Patriot. He returned from the service to obtain his Masters in Business Administration and a Masters in Agriculture. He began teaching in the San Isidro ISD in 1958. Fidel continued his teaching career in the Brooks County ISD system until his retirement in 1985. Fidel was a Dairyman, Rancher, Cattleman, and avid Horseman. Fidel was an active member of the Sacred Heart Church in Falfurrias, Knights of Columbus, De Colores, Woodman of the World, and the Associated Milk Producers Incorporated Association. Fidel was a proud father and grandfather. He faithfully supported his children and grandchildren for as long as his health allowed. He loved to race and train horses. Horses were his passion. He loved to tell stories; some true and others fabricated for the enjoyment of others. Fidel touched the lives of many people through his work, generosity, kindness, and simply by sharing his genuine humble personality. To those who truly knew him, he was a quiet, fun loving, simple man from humble beginnings who worked hard to become a successful man. Fidel will be remembered as a loving son, wonderful husband, remarkable father, the best grandfather ever, an unforgettable uncle, nephew, cousin, father-in-law, and a true friend to those that knew him. He will be greatly missed, but not forgotten as he watches over us from above. A sincere thank you is extended to all who have supported Fidel, Agapita, and the Perez family over the past few years through prayers, gifts, cards, medical care, and words of encouragement. A special thank you to the Staff of the Alfredo Gonzalez State Veterans Home in McAllen, Texas. Visitation will be held Tuesday October 1, 2013 from 5:00 to 7:00 pm at the Alaniz Funeral Home in Falfurrias followed by a holy rosary and memorial ceremony. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday October 2, 2013 at 9:00 am at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Falfurrias. Burial will follow at the Perez Family Cemetery in Falfurrias. Arrangements are under the direction of Alaniz Funeral Home in Falfurrias. Sign the guest book at www.themonitor.com/obituaries