ZAPATA, TEXAS---TSGT. Gerardo "Jerry" Gutierrez, Jr. 79, passed away peacefully on Friday, January 23, 2015, surrounded by family at his lifelong residence in Zapata, Texas. 06-28-1935 to 01-23-2015

Mr. Gutierrez is preceded in death by his loving wife, Elva A. Gutierrez, parents, Gerardo Gutierrez, Sr. and Domitila P. Gutierrez; brother, Jorge Arturo Gutierrez, sister, Dora G. Torres, in-laws; Manuel Maria and Araceli G. Lopez; in laws; Eduardo "Lalito", Ella, Efrain Alonso, Edmundo A. Lopez; Eustolio A. Lopez, Enrique A. Lopez, Heriberto Torres, Jack L. Moore; niece and nephew, Elsa A. Lopez-Caballero and Manuel Lopez. In-Laws Juan Manuel and Romana Benavides, Ricardo V. Gutierrez and Rosalva De Anda Rendon.

Mr. Gutierrez is survived by his children, Veronica L. (Israel), Gerardo III (Juana Maria), Gregory (Cynthia) Gutierrez; grandchildren, Israel B. Jr., Roberto R., Amanda L., Valerie L., Gerardo IV, Gabriella B., Marla D., Gregory Jr., Danissa R. Gutierrez; sister, Maria Genoveva G. (Danny). Rosales; in-laws, Eliseo A. (Flora) Lopez, Eduardo A. Lopez, Eloy A. (Blanca) Lopez, Elda A. (Jorge) Gonzalez, Estela A. Moore; Teresa Hein, Irene F. Lopez, Yolanda Lopez, Maria G. Gutierrez, and by numerous aunts, uncles, nephews, nieces, cousins and many friends.

Gerardo "Jerry", was born to Gerardo and Domitila P. Gutierrez in Bustamante, Texas. Jerry graduated from Hebbronville High School 1953 and later enlisted in the U. S. Air Force in 1953. Jerry married the love of his life, Elva A. Lopez in December 25, 1960. Jerry and Elva were both very involved with the U.S. Air Force and traveled together. Jerry had three children Veronica, Gerardo "Jerry" III and Gregory. Jerry retired in 1974 and moved back to their hometown of Zapata with his family. Jerry was an assistant football coach with the Zapata County I.S.D. and later in 1975, Jerry was employed by the International Boundary and Water Commission and retired in 2002. Jerry was able to get his B.A. in Sociology from the Antioch University in 1979.

Jerry was very involved in community organizations such as Zapata Middle School PTO President, Zapata High School Band Booster President. Jerry was the announcer for the Zapata Hawks Football games on Friday night in which he was known for "Hold Everything, There's a Flag on the Field" for thirteen years. Jerry was also a member of the Zapata County Fair Association and Live Stock Committee and 4-H Club Leader with the North Fork 4-H Club. Jerry was involved with Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church as a Lector, Usher and a member of the Knights of Columbus.

Jerry was a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars post 7768 in Zapata in which he was able to serve as a Commander for numerous years and also Quarter Master within the state. Jerry contributed his time in serving his country by attending funerals in which he was a member of the Flag and Firing Squads. Jerry was called to other funerals in the surrounding counties in which he helped out. Jerry was able to organize numerous Veterans Day and Memorial Day celebrations in the County of Zapata.

Jerry was a mentor to many as he was always asked for advice and would always encouraged many people by giving them positive ideas and for them to further their education. Jerry would say to them, "Dale Para Delante". Jerry lost his love of his life in 2009 and kept on with supporting his children and grandkids in school functions and many others. Jerry will be greatly missed by his children, grandchildren, sister, nieces, nephews and many people throughout his life time.

Thanks to Dr. John G. Knecht, Amistad Home Health for their devoted attention and care for our father, Jerry. Special thanks also to Zapata County Fire Department and the Zapata County Sheriff's Office.

Visitation hours were held on Thursday, January 29, 2015, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. with a rosary at 7 p.m. at Rose Garden Funeral Home.

The funeral procession departed on Friday, January 30, 2015, at 9:30 a.m. for a 10 a.m. funeral Mass at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church.

Burial services followed at Zapata County Cemetery, including full Military Honors by the American Legion Post 486 Color Guard.

Funeral arrangements were under the direction of Rose Garden Funeral Home Daniel A. Gonzalez, Funeral Director, 2102 N. US HWY 83 Zapata, Texas.