Premont – Faustino Pérez, Jr., a lifelong resident of Premont, Texas sought comfort in the loving arms of his Lord and Savior on February 5, 2022. He was 92 years old, and he lived every year intentionally with an unwavering faith in God and all His goodness.
He was born in San Benito, Texas on January 19, 1930 to Faustino Maldonado Pérez, Sr. and Fidela Pérez Pérez. His mother’s family was from San Benito, and his father’s family was from the Loma Blanca Ranch in Falfurrias, Texas. He is survived by his “Bebe”, Elizabeth Cadena Pérez, whom he was married to for over sixty years. He was predeceased by his parents, his brother Juan “Johnny” Pérez, sister Eva Pérez Mora, sister Elida “Lela” Pérez Garza. He leaves behind his six children, Michael Lynn Pérez, Marc Adam Pérez (Minerva), Matthew Anthony Pérez, Roxana Christel Burris (David) all of Corpus Christi; Tina Gizelle “Gigi” Del Gallo (Walter) of Sandia; and Elizabeth “Lizzy” Pérez (Celina) of San Antonio. He is also survived by his brother Artemio “Temo” Pérez of Corpus Christi and his sister Arminda “Mindy” Pérez Cavazos of Austin. His legacy continues as his fifteen grandchildren and numerous great grandchildren make their journey through life reminded of the sacrifices he made so they wouldn’t have to.
Faustino was so well-known and admired that people in his community simply knew him as “Tino”. He was God’s humble servant, and early on in life he devoted himself to the service of his country, his community, his family, and foremost to his Lord.
Tino graduated from Premont High School in 1948 and later enlisted in the United States Air Force where he served for six years (September 1948-September 1954) and was stationed in the Philippines and Korea during the Korean War. Upon returning home, he worked for Mobil Oil Company where he retired after more than 30 years. Mobil Oil was not his only job. Tino was a man that wore many hats. God gave him so many talents, and he used them with all his heart to put them to good use.
After serving his country, Tino remained very active in the local VFW and served numerous decades as Post Commander. He had an immense pride in the service to his country and a tremendous respect and gratitude for other veterans who served as well. Throughout the years, he wholeheartedly participated in many veteran funeral services where he presented our country’s flag to many families. At some point in his life, Tino recognized he had the gift of not solely words, but the ability to deliver them in the most impactful way, whether a celebration, a funeral, a football pep rally, or a community gathering such as Memorial Day or Veteran’s Day where he delivered stirring words that gave people pause and motivation.
When you live in a small community there isn’t always someone to call when you experience a clogged sewer line, a roof leak, a broken water heater, etc. Tino was a resourceful man and came from a long line of Pérez men who had the talent of carpentry, electrical, and plumbing. His children often joked that his truck was a toolbox on wheels. Never an idol person, Tino was known as the Premont handyman which started out of his desire to help those in need. Often, the most vulnerable people of his community benefited from his many talents. He never said no, never complained, never charged enough, and was always a phone call away. That spirit of giving, serving, leading, caring, and giving it your best shot was something that was just innate in him.
His career in politics began in the 1970s when he first sought a council seat for the city of Premont. Unsuccessful in his first bid at the office, he remained undeterred as he ran again and earned the confidence of his community who took a chance on him. Years later in the 1980s, he was appointed Mayor when Mayor Blackstone retired. He served as Mayor of Premont for most of the 1980s, and he was devoted to the job and the community. He was a very active Mayor who elevated the position. He actively sought grants, overhauled the Chamber of Commerce, implemented an Economic Development Board, worked with federal, state, and local officials, helped plan Premont’s Sesquicentennial Celebration, and participated in many community and school functions. One of his best attributes was bringing people together because he knew the vision he had of his beloved town was not something a single person could accomplish. He enlisted many of Premont’s finest citizens to work on the many projects that would help improve his community and instill pride throughout it. He served well over 30 years on the Premont City Council, which is probably the most time anyone has ever served. We like to think that his impeccable character was the reason people continued to support him all those years.
St. Theresa’s Catholic Church in Premont, Texas was a special place for Tino. His brother, Johnny, helped build it, and Tino was a lay reader for the English and Spanish masses for close to forty years. Later, when the outdoor chapel was built, Tino was an every-morning visitor petitioning God to protect and care for his family, leave his worries, and give his thanks. The power of prayer was something he believed in. There is no doubt that he trusted in the Lord, and when He came calling, Tino, as His good and faithful servant, was eager to answer the call.
Pallbearers include his Son in Laws, Walter Del Gallo and David Burris; his grandsons, Victor Pérez, Michael Del Rey Pérez, Roman Del Gallo; and great grandson, Carlos Ramos.
Viewing and Visitation for Faustino will be held Wednesday, February 16, 2022 at 9:00 a.m. at St. Theresa’s Catholic Church of Premont, TX. A Holy Rosary will be recited following the Viewing at 9:30 a.m. Funeral Mass will be celebrated following the Rosary at 10:30 a.m. Burial will follow at the Premont Cemetery of Premont, TX with Full Military Honors.
Alaniz Funeral Home entrusted with arrangements.
