Rudy Flores Camarillo

Rudy Flores Camarillo, age 83, passed away on March 9, 2022. Rudy was born in Gonzales, Texas to parents Victor and Susana Camarillo. He was born to a loving family of four sisters and five brothers who were all rooted in faith. Rudy lived a full life that was evident by his prioritization of faith, family and friends.

Rudy grew up in Gonzales and attended school until the age of fifteen. Rudy met his wife, Reyes Martinez, at the young age of nineteen. His wife and him loved to dance. They were married on February 23,1963 and they raised eight wonderful children together until his wife gained her angel wings on July 25, 1991. During this time Rudy also enlisted into the Army National Guard in which he served twenty-four years.

Then on December 31,1992 Rudy and Minnie Davila went on their first official date. Again, Minnie and him loved to dance. They were married on June, 10, 2000 and Rudy gained four step sons to help share his strong values with. Both Rudy and Minnie enjoyed their time together by dancing, eating out, and spending time with friends and family. Traveling together was something else that the both of them enjoyed. They shared many memories together after being together and married for almost thirty years.

Rudy proudly raised five sons and three daughters who were blessed to have a front row seat to his important life lessons that he exhibited daily. One of the most important lessons that he instilled was the value of attending church. He never accepted an excuse for not making time to honor the Lord on Sundays. He exhibited his faith and the importance of church by attending daily mass in both Gonzales and Victoria.

Although he lived in Victoria, he could often be found in Gonzales visiting all his family and friends. He would always let you know where he was off to next. He loved doing yard work and would spend any chance he could being outdoors, especially when it was a family event where he could spend time with those he loved.

Rudy was extremely proud of his eight children and never missed an opportunity to check in to see how each of them were doing. Even at the age of 83 years, he never forgot to call each one of his children for their birthdays or on a holiday. Rudy provided a strong foundation for all of his children, he also taught them the importance of a strong work ethic.

His grandchildren and great grandchildren held a very special place in his heart. “Popo” and “CoCo” was what he was lovingly called. He would tease them and make them laugh when he was around and he was always ready to give them a hug.

It is said that angels walk amongst us and he was living proof of that. Rudy never knew a stranger. He immediately made people feel at home and as if they were part of the family. If someone was in need, whether a friend or a stranger, he never hesitated to step in and help. His compassion, kindness and heart of gold were always a common theme heard when anyone spoke of “Mr. Rudy”. One never walked away from him without him bringing laughter or a smile into their life. Although the world has lost a great man, heaven gained an angel who undoubtedly heard “Well done, thy good and faithful servant”.

Rudy is survived by his wife, Rita Stoeltje Camarillo of Victoria, daughters, Mary Ester Camarillo (Lupe Cantu) of Gonzales, Suzanne Janak (Larry) of Flatonia, and Stephanie Camarillo of Gonzales, sons, David Camarillo of Victoria, Joseph Camarillo, Ralph Camarillo (Kristy Lehnert), Robert Camarillo, and Matthew Camarillo all of Gonzales, sisters, Elida Cantu, Hermina Longoria (Fidel), Mary Frances Carrizales (Joe), and Mary Jane Gaytan (Alex), brothers, Lorenzo Camarillo (Patsy), and Ruben Camarillo (Sonya), stepsons, Ruben, Richard, Rene, and Dwayne Stoeltje, sisters-in-law, Felipa Camarillo and Connie Camarillo, 9 grandchildren, 6 step-grandchildren, 3 great-granddaughters, 5 step great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, first spouse and mother to his children, Reyes M. Camarillo, brothers, Jesse, David, and Conception Camarillo, and step great-grandson, Kail M. White.

A visitation will be held on Sunday, March 13, 2022 from 5:00 until 7:00 PM in St. James Catholic Church, with a rosary to be recited at 7:00 PM. A funeral mass will take place on Monday, March 14, 2022 at 10:00 AM in the St. James Catholic Church, with Father Jason Martini. Interment will follow in the St. James Cemetery. Pallbearers include: Dana Woodward, Harvey Kochian, Jamie Dorsett, and Rudy’s sons, David, Robert Ralph, Joe, and Matthew. Honorary pallbearers include: Rudy’s stepsons, Ruben, Richard, Rene, and Dwayne, step grandson Dareius, and his grandchildren, David, Cody, Seth, Paul, Mason and Easton.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the VCAM (Victoria Christian Assistance Ministry) or GCAM (Gonzales Christian Assistance Ministry). Friends and family may leave their condolences or sign the guestbook by visiting www.seydlerhillfuneralhome.come. Services are under the care and direction of Seydler-Hill Funeral Home, Gonzales.