Alejandro Vernal Olivarez

Alejandro Vernal Olivarez, age 92, peacefully reunited with his late wife on her birthday, September 12, 2024, in Mathis, Texas, surrounded by his loved ones.
Alejandro was born in Lagarto, Texas on May 3, 1932, the first of ten children to Juan Olivarez and Ascension "Chonita" Vernal. He married his sweetheart in 1950 and had seven wonderful children.

Alejandro was a unique and special man. He started his career on the ranch at 9 years old despite the inclement weather. He worked on many ranches building fences, tending to the livestock and fields. He enjoyed the early morning sunrises and the evening orange skies and drank coffee all day. Weekends were for spending time with family and going dancing. Alejandro was known for his total honesty, determination, strong work ethic, persistence, and intelligence. He was a loyal friend, a loving and dedicated husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and also great-great grandfather and was always willing to help those in need. He was a fighter who never gave up, showing a wonderful sense of humor. His endurance and ability to cope with challenges, especially personal health challenges over the last five years, were amazing and nothing short of a miracle. Alejandro believed in God and exemplified the best of the human spirit. He will be missed by many and remembered by all those who had the blessing of knowing him.

Alejandro is preceded in death by his parents, his beloved wife, Yrenia Salinas Olivarez, his loving sisters, Felicita Martinez, Juana Trevino, Ramona Perez, son, David Olivarez, and grandson, Alex Michael Torres. He is survived by his brothers Vivan (Lucia), Santiago (Tina), Jose (Elida), Gregorio Olivarez, and sisters Inez Longoria, and Olivia Lopez. His children, Alejandro (Josie), Oralia Cabrera (Alfredo), Rodolfo (Rosie), Lucia Urdialez (Jesus), Ramiro (Idalia), and Juan (Laurie) , 18 grandchildren, 24 great grandchildren, and 4 great-great grandchildren, cousins, nephews, and nieces.

The family wishes to thank all those who have done so much to help Alejandro: Family, special friends, neighbors, health professionals at Palma Real Nursing Center, Harbor Hospice- Rockport and many other health organizations that have been instrumental in Alejandro's healthcare. 

The visitation will be on Thursday, September 19, from 3:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. with a rosary at 7:00 p.m. at Winsteads' Funeral Home, 121 N. Duval St., Mathis, Texas. On Friday, September 20, 2024 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Mathis, is the last viewing at 8:30 a.m. followed by the funeral service at 9:30 a.m., followed by interment at Descanso Eterno Cemetery #2

Pallbearers will be grandsons Rudy Olivarez, Jr., David Olivarez, Jacob Olivarez, Jonathon Olivarez and Stephen Rodriguez and great grandsons Dominick Aguilar, Rudy Olivarez III and Daven Cabrera. Honorary pallbearers are the granddaughters Olga Olivarez Vela, Samantha Torres Munoz, Nicole Cabrera Rodriguez, and Michelle Olivarez Flores. 

Arrangements are under the direction and care of the professionals at Winsteads' Funeral Home. 361-547-3224 www.winsteadsfuneralhome.com