Arnulfo Perez
Arnulfo Perez, or as he referred himself as “An Old Coyote” passed away when the Lord called his name on March 2, 2022. Arnulfo was born in La Rosita Ranch, Texas, 12 miles west of San Diego, Tx on May 12, 1929, to Otilia and Damacio Perez. He served in the US Army stationed in Germany from 1948 to 1952 where he trained as a Blacksmith/Welder. Arnulfo took much pride in his dress appearance and was chosen by higher ups as their designated jeep driver.
Upon returning to the states, he relocated to Chicago and joined the many residents from Alice seeking factory work. It was there at a dance he met up with another Alice resident, Rumalda “Ruby” Garza and married. After six years in Chicago and two children they returned to Alice where he worked as a welder and eventually the couple started their own business, Arnulfo’s “Arnold’s “Welding. The couple enjoyed packing up their 4 children on many summer trips to Padre Island, Garner State Park, Mathis Lake, Chicago and in between many hunting trips. On June 8,1979, the couple purchased 25 acres of land at the Rosita Ranch where Arnulfo had been born and began to build their Ranch home. They were living their dream. By a mesquite tree Arnulfo set up his outdoor kitchen, equipped with many bar-b-que pits. (duh…he was a welder) and an old radio that had a wire hanger for an antenna playing his favorite music…. conjunto. Ruby had the dream kitchen she always wanted, including one regular stove and a wood burning stove.
Their doors were open always to friends and families, where neighbors helped each other and looked out for one another. The grandchildren came next and life at the ranch alongside their grandparents was adventurous and exciting, creating everlasting memories.
Gracias Dad for working so hard and achieving your dreams……..and Dad when those coyotes at your Rancho start to howl, we will howl back in honor of you…You old Coyote!
He is preceded in death by his Loving Wife, Rumalda “Ruby” Perez; brother Sixto Perez, his sister Elma Reichman and Granddaughter Mireya Flor Perez.
He is survived by two sisters, Lydia “Lily” Chapa of Alice, TX., and Elodia Quintana of Houston, TX. And one brother, Ernesto Perez from Alice, TX.
Arnulfo and Ruby raised four children, Ruby Nelda Perez (Jorge Pina), Daniel Perez, Arnulfo Perez Jr. (Melissa Daugherty), Gloria A. Martinez (Robert Martinez). They have nine Grandchildren and 4 Great Grandchildren.
Family will receive friends and relatives at 5:00 P.M. on Monday, March 7, 2022, at Rosas Funeral Home. A Holy Rosary will be recited at 7:00 p.m. that evening. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 A.M. on Tuesday, March 8, 2022, at St. Francis De Paula Catholic Church of San Diego, Texas. Burial will follow at the San Diego Cemetery with military honors by the United Veterans Burial Association.
Rosas Funeral Home entrusted with arrangements.
