H.P. Guerra

Dec 28 at 10:55 AM






Horacio Paul Guerra, III (H.P.) 81 entered into eternal rest on Friday, December 27, 2013. He was born in Rio Grande City, Texas to Horace P. Guerra, Jr. and Rebeca H. Guerra. H.P. graduated from Rio Grande City High School in 1950 and attended St. Mary's University in San Antonio, Texas where he obtained a BBA and a law degree in 1955. In 1966, he was awarded his Doctor of Jurisprudence degree. He was a member of the State Bar of Texas for over 50 years and was also admitted to practice before the U.S. Supreme Court and the U.S. Court of Military Appeals. He was a Lt. Colonel in the U.S. Army, where he served 2 years in active duty in Korea and completed a 20 year period in the active reserves. H.P. worked for the First State Bank and Trust in Rio Grande City and served as president of Gross National Bank in San Antonio, Texas. He also worked for Valley Federal Savings and Loan where he served as a branch manager in Rio Grande City, Texas and as Senior Vice President in McAllen, Texas. He has been a practicing attorney in Rio Grande City for over 30 years and has served as legal council for the Appraisal District for several years. H.P. was also appointed to the State Finance Commission by Governor Preston Smith in 1970 for a six year term where he served in the Banking Section of the Commission. H.P. served as a president of the Rio Grande City Jaycees and was selected as U.S. Jaycee Ambassador to El Salvador, Central and South America from 1966 to 1969. He was also an honorary member of the Monterrey Nuevo Leon Mexico Jaycee Club. Aside from his professional career, H.P. has been involved in ranching with his two brothers, Hector F. Guerra and Richard L. Guerra, for most of his life. H.P. was a member of the Rotary International when the chapter was initiated in Rio Grande City; he was a past Grand Knight of the De Saules Council of the Knights of Columbus Club No. 2595, and a past member of the El Cid Caravan #106 Order of the Alhambra. In 1964, he was selected as an Outstanding Young Man of Amercia. H.P. was an active member of the Immaculate Conception Church. Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife, Josie Guerra, his son, Horacio P. Guerra, IV (Monica), of Las Vegas, Nevada, his daughter, Liliana G. Ortega (Hector), of Rio Grande City, Texas, his son Jorge Luis Guerra (Ximena) of Austin Texas and his grandchildren Anthony Michael, Justin Eric and Brandon Jacob Ortega; Horacio P. Guerra, V, Theresa and Isabel Guerra, Mattias Manuel and Isabella Domenica Guerra. H.P. is also survived by his two brothers, Hector F. Guerra, and Richard L. Guerra, and his sister Rosa Marie G. Rodriguez and numerous nieces and nephews. Visitation will be on Sunday, December 29 from 12 noon to 9 pm with a Rosary at 7 pm. Mass will be on Monday December 30, 2013 at Immaculate Conception Church in Rio Grande City, Texas. Burial will follow at Roma City cemetery. Sanchez Funeral Home of Rio Grande City, Texas is in charge of arrangements.