Pete Lerma Sr.

1937 - 2018

Weslaco - WESLACO - Pedro "Pete" Lerma, 80, passed away on Sunday, July 29, 2018, at Knapp Medical Center in Weslaco. He was born on December 18, 1937, in Donna, Texas to Charlie Lerma and Concepcion De Leon. He grew up in Donna with his older sister Saragoza Arriaga. Pete was always very driven to succeed. He was a star athlete in high school playing football and baseball for the Donna Redskins.

Pete joined the National Guard shortly after high school and was called into active duty. When he returned, he attended Pan American University and went to work for the Department of Human Services for the next 22 years as the director for Aging and Disability. He had an entrepreneurial spirit and in 1985, opened his downtown Weslaco store, Texas Quality Furniture, where he was famously known as "the owner, manager, and janitor", servicing the mid-valley for the next 22 years. Pete thrived as an entrepreneur and was instrumental in the transformation of downtown Weslaco. He was very active in the city, serving as a Weslaco Chamber red coat ambassador, Lion's Club, serving on the Board of the RGV Food Bank and Board of Foster Grandparents program, an active member of St. Pius X Catholic Church. He was chosen as Weslaco's Citizen of the Year in 2002. Pete always stayed involved with an elite group of baseball players, known as the Cardinals of the 50s. Pete was also inducted into Leonajo's Hall of Fame for his legendary baseball skills.

Pete will mostly be remembered for his strong work ethic and sense of responsibility for his community. Pete enjoyed spending time with his wife, children, and grandchildren. He attended many of their sporting/dance events and was a very supportive grandfather.

Pete is preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his loving wife of over 40 years, Emma, his children, Pamela Lerma Granado (Robert) of Edinburg, Susanmarie Lerma of Weslaco, Priscilla Gonzalez (Joel) of Weslaco, Sabrina Lerma of Weslaco, Pete Lerma Jr. of New Braunfels, mother of his daughters, Susan Lerma, grandchildren, Celeste, Justin, Gabrianne, Ciera, Avery, Jackson, Gwenyth, great-grandsons, Damian, Misael, and numerous nephews and nieces.

The family would like to offer special thanks to the staff at Retama Manor in Weslaco for their compassionate care.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, July 31st, from 3-9pm, rosary, 7 pm at McCaleb Funeral Home. Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, August 1st, 10am, at St. Pius X Catholic Church in Weslaco, interment to follow at Highland Memorial Park.