Horacio Martinez Perez

How do you begin to tell the story of a man who’s lived 100 years 8 months and 25 days? All stories have a beginning, and Horacio M. Pérez’s life journey began at his birth on June 8, 1923, in Santa Cruz, Texas. Horacio was welcomed to this Good Earth by his parents, Albino Pérez and Virginia (Martinez) Pérez. Life on the ranch and dairy farm alongside his family taught him many lessons. This man, son, brother, cousin, uncle, husband, dad, father-in-law, grandfather, and great grandfather valued faith in God, love of family, love of country, love of hard work, love of honesty, and love of education. Still, that doesn’t begin to describe the fullness and richness of Horacio’s life. He enjoyed life and lived it well.

Horacio treasured the memories of farm life and family working together. Those golden days on the farm were filled with the sound of the windmill, the mooing of cows, clanking of machinery, farmhands talking, tractors plowing, fence building, chickens cackling, and the radio playing in the background while Mama Quina worked in the kitchen.

Soon after his graduation from Premont High School in 1942, Horacio was inducted into the Army on February 17, 1943. In his own words, with “all his heart” he served our country. Horacio fought in Northern France, Ardennes, and the Rhineland. Among the decorations he received are EAME Campaign Medal with 3 Bronze Stars, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, Philippine Liberation Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Victory Ribbon, and 4 Overseas Service Bars. On January 4, 1946, Horacio M. Pérez, a proud soldier in Company A 351st Regiment, was honorably discharged from the United States Army and began his journey home. Horacio found strength during the war and all his life in a memory of Saint Thérèse of Lisieux who in a dream spoke to him and reassured him that he would survive the war and be able to return home and work on the farm once again.

One day, he accepted an invitation to visit family in Monterrey, Mexico. Off he went, blissfully unaware of how that simple act would change the trajectory of his life.  His family in Mexico owned a dress shop where a young lady named Hortensia was employed. It was love at first sight and a beautiful courtship began and soon they were married. They made their home in Corpus Christi, Texas and the Perez family began to grow. Our parent’s faith, love of God and respect for each other was the reason our home was always warm, supportive, and loving.

Horacio worked at the Corpus Christi Army Depot (ARADMAC) until his retirement. After retirement, with time on his hands and the desire to stay active, he took advantage of an

opportunity to open a small ice cream shop. His shop, aptly named The Ice Cream Corner, was a favorite stop for flea market goers in the old Gibson’s building on Kostoryz. When that flea market closed, he moved his shop to the flea market on Ayers and Baldwin.

Customers and fellow shop owners were greeted with warmth, hospitality,

cheerfulness, and delicious ice cream! The Ice Cream Corner allowed Horacio to engage in interesting conversation, to discuss the latest news, or just laugh a little.

Even though keeping the Ice Cream Corner in tip top shape required much attention, he found time to help family in many ways. He frequently helped by picking up grandkids at school, babysitting, taking lunch to his ailing sister, visiting relatives, and much more. When his grandkids were older, he invited them to work at the Ice Cream Corner giving them the opportunity to gain work experience, earn some extra money, but most of all the opportunity to create some very special memories with their grandfather. He truly was a great role model. His relatives and friends dearly miss his charm, jokes, wisdom, singing, and the way he made us feel appreciated and loved.

Horacio, our dear father, was called home to our Lord on March 4, 2024. He passed away peacefully surrounded by those he loved. Horacio is preceded in death by his parents; his wife of 74 years, Hortensia; his infant son, Horacio Jr,; son, Fernando; siblings, Roman, Eusebio, Margarita, Trinidad, Narcedalia, Hilda, Albino, and Emma. He is survived by his brothers, Armando and Amando; children, Susie Garza (Robert), Horacio Edward Pérez (Theresa), and Mary Chapa (Eddie †); grandchildren, Daniel (Tricia), Thomas (Angelina), Eddie, Lori, Carla, Terra (Miguel), and Joseph; seven great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

The Perez family greatly appreciates the care and support given to our Dad by caregivers Stephanie, Priscilla, Janie, Bianca, Alex as well as nurses, doctors from the VA, Freedom Health, and Trinity Hospice.

Horacio’s family will receive condolences on Monday, March 18, 2024, from 5:00 PM until 9:00 PM at Treviño Funeral Home, 3006 Niagara St. @ Port Ave.; with a Holy Rosary to be recited at 7:00 PM.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, March 19, 2024, at 1:00 PM at Holy Family Catholic Church followed by Rite of Committal and Interment at Memory Gardens.

To leave your condolences for the family of Horacio M. Perez, share your memories, or visit his tribute wall, please go to www.trevinofuneralhome.net.