Jesus G. “Jesse” Guerra

Jesus G. “Jesse” Guerra, 81, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Thursday, September 29. 2016. Jesse was born July 17, 1935 in Gonzales to Jesus and Lucia Gonzales Guerra. He was a lifetime member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Jesse married Josephine Rivera on September 17, 1961 in Gonzales. 

Jesse grew up in Gonzales in part on the Abercrombie Ranch and later in town. He spent much of his young life working alongside his family, picking cotton in the Gonzales area and fruits and vegetables in Ohio, Michigan, Kansas, Colorado, Arizona and New Mexico. He started his truck driving career at the age of 15 and soon drove a truck for the Baros Feed Mill, Plantation and Tyson Foods. It was a career he enjoyed for over 60 years retiring at the age of 78. Jesse was gifted with the ability to repair most anything, especially motors and electrical devices. It was his nature to work hard, keep busy and remain productive. He moderated his busy schedule with leisurely outings to fish, hunt or enjoy a cup of coffee and conversation with his friends or a cold beverage and more conversation with friends. Yet he always found ways to stay busy and productive. He taught his children to be fiercely independent with strong work ethics and acceptance of responsibility and accountability. Jesse loved his faith and never missed a Sunday 8 a.m. Mass at Sacred Heart Catholic Church until he became too ill to attend. The manner in which Jesse lived was a masterful example for his sons and daughters. He was a good man, a wonderful husband and father, grandfather and a loyal selfless friend. He enjoyed joking around and playing pranks and always bringing smiles to those close to him. His children hold their father in high esteem and as a “Popo” to his grandchildren and great-grandchild he was simply the best. Recollections of a boy that labored diligently in fields across this great country to help his family survive, to a man whose work ethic, integrity, compassion and faith set a honorable standard for his family to follow and admire certainly will live long in the hearts and minds of his family and friends. 

Jesus G. “Jesse” Guerra is survived by his daughters and sons-in-law, Sylvia and Jene Dreyer, Sandra Guerra, Liz and Michael Longoria, sons and daughters-in-law, Ricky and Carmen Rivera and Anthony and Becky Guerra all of Gonzales, grandchildren, Ricky Rivera, Marcos Rivera, Jalen Longoria, Daniel Rivera, Colton Dreyer, Katlyn Guerra and Tress Dreyer and great-granddaughter Kari Riojas. He is further survived by his very special niece and nephews, Lisa Salinas and Robert and Jesse Guerra along with his beloved cat, Emma. He was preceded in death by his wife, parents and a brother, Robert Guerra.  

A rosary will be recited at 6 p.m. Sunday, October 2, 2016 in Seydler-Hill Funeral Home. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Monday, October 3, 2016 in Sacred Heart Catholic Church with Fr. Paul Raaz as celebrant. Interment will follow in St. James Catholic Cemetery. Pallbearers: Jene Dreyer, Michael Longoria, Robert Guerra, Jesse Guerra, Jalen Longoria and Julio Salinas. Honorary pallbearers: Tiger Tote Coffee Group and the Long Branch Friends. The family will receive friends from 4 to 6 p.m. Sunday evening at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to Friends of Gonzales Animal Shelter (FOGAS). Services are under the care and direction of Seydler-Hill Funeral Home.