Rene De Los Santos, a devoted family man, proud veteran, and respected community member, passed away peacefully on April 5, 2026, in Corpus Christi, Texas. Born on March 25, 1947, in Zapata, Texas, Rene's life was marked by steadfast dedication to his country and family.

A graduate of the Zapata Independent School District’s class of 1966, Rene was known for his leadership as Captain of the Hawks football team. In June 1967, he answered the call of duty by enlisting in the United States Army, bravely serving in the Vietnam War. His valor earned him numerous honors, including the GCMDL 1st Award, SPS M-14, VCM, and VSM medals, along with two O/S Bars. Rene’s unwavering respect for his country and the American flag was a cornerstone of his identity.

Following his military service, Rene embarked on a distinguished career as a lineman with Southwestern Bell Telephone Company and later AT&T Telephone Company. Over the span of 31 years, until his retirement in 2001, he upheld the traditional values instilled in him from a young age: punctuality, respect, honesty, and hard work. These principles defined both his professional life and personal character.

Rene was a man of many talents, admired as a jack of all trades. He personally designed and built his family home, nurtured a lush tropical garden, and crafted exquisite woodwork in his retirement years. His love for family gatherings, barbecues, as well as listening and dancing to Tejano music, was well known among friends and relatives, reflecting a life lived with simple joys and quiet contentment.

In 1975, Rene married the love of his life and faithful loving wife of 50 years, Gloria, who was always supportive and by his side. Together, they were blessed with a daughter, Michelle, whose joys and challenges he embraced wholeheartedly. Rene was her steadfast supporter, eagerly participating in her activities ranging from Camp Fire Blue Birds cookie sales to cheerleading events. At St. Joseph Catholic School, he was a familiar and dependable presence, always ready to assist, repair, and encourage. His heart found its greatest delight at the birth of his granddaughter, Leea Renee Valdez, who lovingly called him "Welo", a title that he honored as a grandfather and gave him unimaginable joy. Rene treasured every moment spent at her school programs, dance competitions, and performances.

Rene will forever be remembered by his best friend and wife, Gloria De Los Santos; his daughter, Michelle (Arnoldo) Valdez; his precious granddaughter, Leea Renne Valdez; his brother, Ramiro De Los Santos; brothers and sisters-in-law, Angelita De Los Santos, Julio and Gracie Rangel, Armando and Patsy Rodriguez, Arnoldo and Nora Rodriguez, and Ruben and Maribel Casas; his loving nieces and nephews, Vicky Osborn, Steven Rodriguez, Marcy Serna, Erica Chapa, Lydia Grace Vela, Marcos Rodriguez, Connie Rey Rodriguez, Christine Rodriguez, Arnold Ryan Rodriguez, Audrey Ripley, Michael Casas, Ruben Casas Jr., April Rodriguez, Betyna Casas, India Casas, Jorge Casas, Rubena Casas, Rolando De Los Santos Jr., Valentin De Los Santos, and Ricky De Los Santos; and also cherished by numerous cousins, great-nieces and nephews, extended family, and dear friends.

Rene was preceded in death by his parents, Simon and Elmira De Los Santos; his brother, Rolando De Los Santos; his in-laws, George Sr. and Victoria Rodriguez; and brother-in-law, George Rodriguez, Jr.

Rene De Los Santos’s proudest accomplishments were his service to his country and his unwavering devotion to his family. A respectful, quiet, and simple man, he leaves behind a legacy of love, strength, and integrity that will continue to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Rene’s family will receive condolence on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, at Treviño Funeral Home, 120 E. Front St., from 9:00 AM until 10:00 AM, with the Holy Rosary to be recited at 9:30 AM. A Funeral cortege will depart the funeral home at 10:00 AM to St. Joseph Catholic Church for Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 AM. Rite of Committal and Interment with Full Military Honors will follow at Coastal Bend State Veterans Cemetery at 1:00 PM in Corpus Christi where Rene will be laid to rest in the peace of Christ.

Honoring Rene as pallbearers will be Rolando Del Los Santos Jr., Valentin De Los Santos, Ricky De Los Santos, Robert Vela, David Chapa, and Roger Serna.

To leave your condolences for the family of Rene De Los Santos, share your memories, or visit his tribute wall, please go to www.trevinofuneralhome.net.