Emilio Gutierrez

Emilio Gutierrez Sr. passed away at the age of 78, after a courageous battle with cancer.   He leaves behind a legacy defined by love, family, and laughter. He was born on June 1, 1945, into very humble beginnings in Laredo, Texas, to Guadalupe Luna and Jose Lois Gutierrez. Despite a challenging upbringing in an exceptionally large family, he approached life with unwavering determination and a remarkable sense of humor.

While Emilio lacked a formal education, he was armed with an abundance of street smarts and a work ethic. He navigated life with a quick wit and a contagious smile and combined with a supportive family, he was able to tackle life’s challenges and hardships. He possessed a rare gift for connecting with people from all walks of life and could connect effortlessly, striking up conversations with both friends and strangers alike.

Emilio was deeply involved in his church community, where his kindness and humor touched the lives of many. He was always ready to lend a helping hand or a listening ear to those in need. Beyond his involvement in church, Emilio’s true pride and joy were his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren whom he cherished above all else. He delighted in their accomplishments and reveled in the joy they brought into his life.

Fueled by endless cups of coffee, Emilo thrived on humor, often leaving those around him in stitches with his stories, jokes, and playful antics. His laughter was infectious, his kindness boundless, and his spirit unbreakable. In the hearts of those who knew him, Emilio’s memory will forever be a source of comfort. He is survived by his loving family who will continue to carry his spirit forward with laughter, love, a good cup of coffee, and maybe a driver cap or two.

May he rest in eternal peace and comfort, forever smiling down upon us from above.

Survivors include his wife, Rosemary Gutierrez; children, Emilio Gutierrez Jr. and his wife, Lisa, of Silsbee; Ernesto Gutierrez and his wife, Brandy, of Troy; Dionicio Gutierrez of Silsbee; Elsie Rockers and her husband, Ryan, of Seattle; and Roseann Gutierrez of Silsbee; grandchildren, Nicholas of Washington, Gabriel of Silsbee, Kuder and Kadi of Kirbyville, Estella of Seattle, Alyssa of Troy, and Taylor of Killeen; great-grandchildren, Kayleigh-Haven, Marleigh, Mateo, Avery, Axyl; sister Mary Rabago; and half-brothers Oscar Rabago and Johnny Rabago.

He is preceded in death by his parents; siblings Jose Lois Gutierrez, Raul Gutierrez, Richard Gutierrez, and Janie Cantu; half-siblings, Arthur Rabago, Gracie, Rabago, and Rosa Linda Rabago.

His Memorial Mass was 2:00 p.m., Friday, March 16, 2024, at St. Mark Catholic Church, Silsbee, under the direction of Broussard’s, 490 Cemetery Road, Silsbee. His committal was held at Broussard’s Crematorium.