Henry M. Banuelos

Henry M. Banuelos, also known as “Kiki,” was born in San Joaquin, CA, on July 6, 1935, to his mother Luz (Lucy) and father, Cecilio Banuelos. He was the last living child of Lucy and Cecilio Banuelos, preceded in death by his brothers, David, Leo, Manuel, and William, as well as his sisters, Antonia, Guadalupe, Inez, Nellie, Carmen, and Margaret. He was 86 years old.

Henry leaves behind a legacy of love and devotion to his family, including his wife, Angelina Banuelos, his daughters, Dorothy McBride, Henrietta Picasso, and Debbie Banuelos, and his sons, Henry Banuelos Jr., and Michael Banuelos, as well as his stepchildren, Robert Atkinson, Freddy Navarro, and Rebecca Hurd.

He is preceded in death by his daughters Margie Casillas, Mary Rayonez, their mother and his former wife, Demetria Banuelos, and his stepdaughter, Minerva Atkinson.

Henry was blessed with 26 grandchildren and 53 great grandchildren. His love extended to an additional 12 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren shared with his wife Angelina.

As large as his family was, Henry made every effort to be there throughout his children’s, grandchildren’s, and great grandchildren’s lives. Whether just to visit, or to watch a baseball, softball, basketball, football, or soccer game, a talent show, awards ceremony, graduation, wedding, baptism, family trip, or to help someone in their time of need, if he knew about it, he was always there. He loved every single member of his family with his whole heart, and he will be missed beyond measure.

Henry was a simple man with a big heart, lots of charisma, and a smile that could light up a room. It’s safe to say, he was the hardest working man any of us ever knew. During his life, he owned his own construction company, which he ran with his children, and spent over 50 years in the Operating Engineers Local 3 Union. He was so proud of the gold watch he earned on his 50th anniversary.

In his younger years, he could talk to anyone, anywhere, for hours. He always had so much to say. In his latter years, he would give a simple “thumbs up” to let you know he was ok. And although it became harder to get around, he never, ever complained, and would still flex his muscles any chance he got.

As we lay him to rest after 86 years on this earth, we thank God for the chance to know him, the chance to love him, the chance to learn from him, and the chance to live in his memory, using all of the tools and traits he taught us to navigate through this life, in preparation for everlasting life with our Lord and Savior.

Until we meet again, rest in paradise.