Celestino Guajardo

CELESTINO GUAJARDO SAN JUAN - Celestino Guajardo, 92, went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, June 25, 2013, at Alfredo Gonzalez Texas State Veterans Home in McAllen, Texas. Celestino was born May 19, 1921 to Ramon and Guadalupe Guajardo in Temple, Texas. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Enriqueta, and his second wife, Elida; two sisters, Luisa Saldivar and Francisca Gutierrez; and four brothers, Julian, Ramon Jr., Rodolfo and Eulogio Guajardo. Mr. Guajardo is survived by two sons, Celestino (Rita) Guajardo Jr. and Arturo (Ermelinda) Guajardo; a sister, Dora Casares; ten grandchildren; and numerous great-grandchildren. He is also survived by many nephews and nieces. Celestino, who was a proud Army Veteran of World War II, will be dearly missed by his family and friends. Mr. Guajardo, with only a third grade education, started working as a farm worker early in his life, climbing the ladder quickly and becoming a field truck driver for the Bracero Program in the 1950's; housing braceros at home and taking them to work became a way of life for Celestino. During the summer months, he also migrated northward for work with his family, but made sure that Celestino Jr. and Arturo were back for the first day of school. Needless to say, education was a priority for Mr. Guajardo. The family would like to thank the staff at Alfredo Gonzales Texas State Veterans Home for the loving care and hospice provided to our dad, brother, grandfather and uncle. Visitation will be held from 5 to 9 p.m., with 7 p.m. rosary Wednesday, June 26, 2013, at Memorial Funeral Home in San Juan. Funeral service will be at 10 a.m. Thursday, June 27, 2013, at Memorial Funeral Home Chapel. Interment will follow at San Juan Cemetery. Having the distinguished honor of serving as pallbearers will be his grandsons: David Guajardo, Arturo Guajardo Jr., Marco A. Guajardo, Nyles Alvarez, Enrique Guajardo and Roberto Guajardo. Military honors will be conducted by VFW Post 8788 of McAllen. Funeral services are under the direction of Memorial Funeral Home in San Juan.