Noe Cavazos

Weslaco - Noe Herrera Cavazos was the seventh of nine children. He was born on November 23, 1932, in Elsa, Texas. In 1933, while only 10 months old, he survived the terrible Category 5 Cuba-Brownsville Hurricane when his family accidentally evacuated their wooden shack leaving him behind. His mother and father gathered all 6 of their 7 children and evacuated to a local shelter when they noticed they had accidentally left baby Noe behind. His father managed to make it home through the storm and found Noe in his crib unharmed. He always thought that his life was meant to have great purpose or influence because he miraculously survived this terrible hurricane.

Noe excelled in grade school. During the summer months he visited relatives in Mexico and would often attend school there as well. As a result, he was proficient in both English and Spanish. He participated in football, track and baseball and was known to his classmates as Yogi-Berra. In 1952, he graduated 5th in his class from Edcouch-Elsa high school. In that same year, he enrolled in Pan American University (now UTRGV). In 1953, during the Korean Conflict he volunteered for the U.S Army where he was at the vanguard of the original Cold War. His military career began by taking a train from the Rio Grande Valley (RGV) to New York City where he completed basic training at Camp Kilmer, New Jersey. Subsequently, he boarded a ship to Germany where he celebrated his 21st birthday at sea. He was trained in map reading, anti-aircraft artillery, economics and military justice in Munich. He had very fond memories of his time in Germany. He was part of the first experimental military unit integrated with women. He was later stationed in Karlsruhe, Germany until 1955. He was honorably discharged and returned to South Texas working for Tex-Sun and later the Texas Employment Commission while simultaneously enrolled at Pan American University. During this time, he was active in the Army Reserve. He often spoke about his struggle to get to and from college without any means of transportation. He would hitchhike or take an early morning bus to get to school. Through perseverance, he obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Education in 1959. He was the 1st in his family to graduate from college.

In 1958, he met the love of his life, Beatriz Garza. They married on June 2, 1961, after a 3-year courtship. They had 4 children together - Glenda Ann, Mark Andrew, Michael Anthony and Gloria Aileen. Also, surviving are 2 brothers, Jesus Cavazos, Aniceto Cavazos; 11 grandchildren, Kurtis Whaley, Catherine Vigen, Nicolas Vigen (Angela), Elizabeth Vigen, Stephanie Vigen, Sofia Vann, Christian G. Cavazos, Gabriella Vann, Briana N. Cavazos, Josiah Vann & Noah Vann. He is preceded in death by his parents, Fortunato & Ventura Cavazos; 4 brothers, Israel Cavazos, Francisco Cavazos, Juan Cavazos, Fortunato Cavazos, Jr.; 2 sisters, Rosa Villalobos & Dora Ledesma. He started teaching in La Sara. Later, he became Principal for La Villa ISD. Other achievements include becoming the first director of Bilingual Education for Milwaukee Public Schools in 1968. He was also the State Supervisor for Migrant Education in the State of Wisconsin. He returned to the RGV and became Principal of La Villa ISD. He earned a Masters Degree in Administration in 1974. He continued to hold administrative positions such as Curriculum Director for Edcouch-Elsa ISD and ultimately retired as Human Resources Director. He was in education for 42 years. Noe not only worked to educate young people, but he also strived to help the community. Because of the poverty and lack of healthcare in the Edcouch-Elsa area, he garnered a grant from the State of Texas to open a health care facility in 1997. He was a Commissioner for the Weslaco Housing Authority and was appointed by Governor Ann Richards to the State Board of Marriage and Family Therapists. He served as Commander of the Catholic War Veterans (Post 770) for 5 consecutive years.

Although Noe Cavazos was active in his profession and community, he never failed to let his family know that they were the most important people in his life. He was always willing and happy to help his kids, grandchildren, sisters, brothers, nieces and nephews, friends and neighbors. He often told his children and grandchildren that they were his "greatest fortune." Despite growing up very poor as the son of migrant farm workers, he had many achievements. His life did indeed have purpose as he lived by his father's saying, "No es vivir, pero saber vivir!" Noe Cavazos will be dearly missed!

Visitation will be 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., today, Wednesday, October 12, 2022, at Guerra Funeral Home of Weslaco - Chapel of The Angels with a 6:00 p.m. rosary. Funeral service will be 12:00 p.m. Thursday, October 13, 2022, at St. Pius X Catholic Church. Officiating will be Deacon Sergio Gonzalez. Interment will follow at RGV State Veterans Cemetery in Mission, TX. Pallbearers will Gary Vigen, Nicolas Vigen, Andre Vann, Josiah Vann, Mark Cavazos & Christian Cavazos. Honorary pallbearer will be Noah Vann. Military auspices are under the direction of Sgt. Benito Alaniz, V.F.W. Post 7473 of Elsa, TX. Arrangements are under the direction of Guerra Funeral Home of Weslaco, Inc., 2602 N. Texas Ave., Weslaco, TX (956) 969-1461.