Jesus C. Cruz

Jesus Cruz, 79 passed away peacefully on March 30, 2014, with his family by his side in Deer Park, Texas. He was born January 2, 1935 in Marion, Texas to Anastacio and Maria del Refugio Cruz. His father was an immigrant worker traveling the states picking cotton, sugar cane and other crops, his mother was a housewife.

Jesse was an amazing man that loved his wife for over 59 years. He loved his family, enjoyed playing a great round of golf and was an awesome fast-pitch pitcher.

Jesse joined the Air Force in 1952 and retired in 1972 servicing his country for 20 years. He serviced in Korea, Europe and Vietnam. He managed the mess halls and played baseball all over the world. He coached the European Little League World Champions in France and was known as the Babe Ruth of the Orient while stationed in Vietnam during the 1960.

After retiring Jesse and his family settled in Pasadena, Texas were he worked for Stewart & Stevenson and later retiring from Houston ISD. Both he and Lucy retired in their 50’s and traveled the United States leaving months at a time in their RV Home.

He is preceded in death by his parents Anastacio and Maria del Refugio Cruz; brothers Manuel Cruz and Conception (Concho) Cruz; sister Maria Cruz; half brother Felipe Cruz and grandson Patrick Wilcox.

He is survived by his wife Lucia Castaneda Cruz of 57 years of Deer Park, Texas, Sons Jaime Gallego and Raul (Patricia) Cruz of Pearland, Texas; Daughters Anna (Ricky) Bryant of Pasadena, Texas and Rosalinda Cruz of Deer Park, Texas

Sisters Natividad (Dave) Lesure of Loveland, Colorado and Gloria (Sabas) Vallejo of Brownsville, Texas.

Granddaughters: Jessica and Jennifer Bryant

Grandsons: Ryan and Bryce Arnold

Great Granddaughter: Alana Preusse

and numerous of nieces and nephews

We wish to thank Vitas Hospice Care Team

Nurses: Lauren & Ramona, Aide Adriana, Chaplin Rojas and the numerous nurses that were available to us 24 hours a day. We also give thanks to caregiver Sylvia Robles and with endless love and support from Elodia Vega and Irene Vega.

Family will receive friends on Tuesday, April 1, 2014 from 5pm to 8pm with a rosary being recited at 6 pm. Funeral Mass will be held on Wednesday, April 2, 2014 at 10 am at St. Hyacinth Catholic Church. Interment will follow in Grand View Memorial Park with Ryan Arnold, Bryce Arnold, Carlos Cruz, Charlie Cruz, Ricky Cruz and Rudy Castañeda, Jr., assisting as pallbearers and Felix Rodriguez and Gilbert Celaya as Honorary Pallbearers. Words of comfort may be offered at www.grandviewfunerals.com