Simon V. Guerra

Simon V. Guerra, 90, passed away February 24, 2018 at Baylor Scott & White Medical Center-Hillcrest. Services will be March 1 at 10:00 am at Sacred Heart Church with Rev. Benjamin Magnaye officiating. Burial will follow at Oakwood Cemetery. Rosary and visitation will be held Wednesday, February 28 at 6:00 pm at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey Funeral Home. Simon was born in Asa, Texas to Fulgencio (Pete) and Cruz Guerra on October 28, 1927. He grew up in Downsville along with his five brothers and five sisters. He worked on the family farm alongside his father and siblings while attending school. At the age of 19 he enlisted in the US Army and served as a surgical technician during World War II where he was stationed in Japan. He was awarded the World War II Victory Medal and Army of Occupation Medal upon his honorable discharge. He held numerous jobs including as a medical assistant at the VA hospital in Waco, and as a mechanical tech at General Dynamics, and M&M Mars. He then opened and operated his own companies, Guerra Brothers Moving and Mattress Warehouse until his retirement. Simon married Florentina Alonzo on January 9, 1949 and they were blessed with four children. As a young couple they were members of St. Francis Catholic Church. Simon set up game booths for the weekly jamaicas while Flor made and sold candied apples to raise money for the church. He later contributed his services to the remodel of Sacred Heart Church, most notably the bronze angels that hold up the altar and was readily available when called upon by Father Lawrence. Simon was a man with an incredible work ethic, a brilliant mind, and a dry wit, but most of all he was very devoted to his family. His grandkids will always remember his famous fake dollar bill trick and his sense of humor. He strived to instill his work ethic in his children and grandchildren alike as they each took a turn working with him at his businesses. Simon was preceded in death by his parents, daughters, Christine Guerra and Mary Helen Flores and two sisters, Alice and Pauline and five brothers, Russell, Frank, Nicolas, Felix, and Clem. He is survived by his loving wife, Florentina and children, Edward Guerra and Margaret Salinas; sisters, Olivia Rivera, Adela Stinson, Tammy Richardson, and Sarah Chavez. His pride and joy were his grandchildren, Chris Guerra, Brian Church, Edward D. Guerra, April Snyder, Andrea Guerra, Melanie Lerma, Marcos Morales, Molly Sosa, Marlena Flores, Candice Pena, and Joe M. Flores. Great Grandchildren, Justin, Matthew, and Ariana Guerra, Kheyman, Brandon, and Leilani Church, Zane, Eddie, and Emma Jade Guerra, Kaleb Jones, Carter Quesenberry, Mercedes, Ricky, and Eric Guerra, Matthew Lerma. Damian, Tristan, and Jonathon Morales, Julianna Melendez, Andrew Aguilar, Christopher Pena Jr, Joey and Lily Flores. Great great grandchildren, Sophia Guerra, Kendal, John Paul, and Montana Max Morales, Madison and Avery Guerra, and Aaden Lerma and a devoted son-in law, Joe W. Flores. Pallbearers will be Joe M. Flores, Justin Guerra, Matthew Guerra, Jonathon Morales, Zane Guerra, Ricky Guerra, Eric Guerra, Matthew Lerma, and Brandon Church. Honorary pallbearers will be Andrew Aguilar, Christopher Pena, Jr, Kaleb Jones, Eddie Guerra, and Ariana Guerra. Special thanks to Baylor Scott & White Hospice nurses for the loving care and compassion provided to our father. "For he will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away" Revelation 21:4 The family invites you to leave a message or memory on our “Tribute Wall” at www.WHBfamily.com