Santiago "Chago" Zarate

The Life of Santiago "Chago" Zarate Santiago was born on July 25, 1948, to Salvador Zarate, Sr. of La Grulla and Elvia Flores Zarate of El Huarache Ranch in Sullivan City, Tx. He was proceeded in death by his parents, brothers Gumaro Zarate and Jesus Onesimo Zarate. Left to cherish his memory are his siblings: Rosa Elia Barrera (Cesario), Salvador Zarate, Jr. (Estelle), Alfredo Zarate (Irene) and Nelda Ramirez (Ignacio) together with numerous nieces and nephews. 

Chago, as he was well known to everyone although he was never married, was a lady's man. He leaves behind an undisclosed amount of children, whom none ever lived with him. He last counted roughly nineteen at one point. He always liked to call himself with pride, "El Papa de toda La Grulla, a todos los manteni", along with his famous saying, " Yo no soy de La Grulla, La Grulla es mia." He was such a jokester. He was a Rio Grande City High School graduate of 1968. From 1968 to 1969, he attended Business College in McAllen. 

On April 15 1969, he was drafted by the United States Army on a coin toss amongst his brother Jesus Onesimo and decided himself to take the term of service instead. Allowing his brother to stay behind to shelter their parents. In 1970, he was part of the United States Prix Le Clerc Team: AAAO, where he earn 1st place in an Olympic style competition. On February 5, 1971, Santiago earned his Sergeant rank without going to war due to following government law code on government premises. On April 9, 1971, he was honorably discharged with the USAREUR 1/87 Infantry while stationed in Germany. Upon his arrival back to the US, he was stationed in Fort Hood for three months. Thereafter, Chago returned to La Grulla and enjoyed photography in which he would develop photo film himself. 

In 1975, he took the initiative to continue the farm life working in the fields and family business, Salvador Zarate Trucking. In 1992, he was appointed Starr County Constable of Precinct 3. He was a full-time public servant to his precinct and community for 28 years. Chago loved the breakfast platters from McDonald's, fried fish, and the beef soup from La Cosinita in La Grulla.

The songs attached were some of his most favorite songs he sang. https://youtu.be/UUc5OmBd7tQ, https://youtu.be/eSl68Hb-vVw, https://youtu.be/-eHJ12Vhpyc, https://youtu.be/FbVISS-lEAc. 

On behalf of the Zarate Family, we welcome you to join us as we celebrate the life of our loved one, veteran, and fellow citizen. Special thanks to the staff of the Alfredo Gonzalez Texas State Veterans Home for their unwavering care while Santiago was there. 

Funeral Services for Santiago "Chago" Zarate Sunday, February 2, 2025 Viewing from 1:00 - 8:00 p.m. with service at 6 p.m. Monday, February 3, 2025 Viewing from 8A.M.- 10:30A.M. Church Service at Grace Point Church in La Grulla at 11:00A.M. Honorary Burial Services to follow at Ruben Solis Cemetery, Pvt. Lazaro Solis St. Funeral Services are under the direction of Sanchez Funeral Home.