Cruz H. Lara, Jr., 83, of Kerrville, TX, passed away peacefully on Friday morning May 31, 2024 in Kerrville, TX. He was born in Kerrville to Cruz B. Lara, Sr. and Margarita H. Lara on April 11, 1941.

As a youngster Cruz worked with his family as a seasonal worker picking cotton, potatoes and onions in the fields of West Texas, Lubbock, Anton, Rotan, Littlefield, Brownfield and Hereford. Though many may be embarrassed to admit they had to work the fields of Texas, Cruz was proud of it, as it was a testament to his hard work ethic and devotion to help support his family. During his teen years, Cruz often worked as a caddy at Scott Schreiner Golf Course during the summer. In his young adult years, Cruz briefly worked for the Coke A Cola Bottling Co, Faucet Home Furnishings and with various local construction crews. He worked as a test driver for West Texas Test Fleet for three years and at Blackwell Wool and Mohair. Additionally, Cruz worked with his father sheep and goat sheering throughout the Hill Country. Often both Cruz and his father would be contracted to grade wool and mohair for weeks on end in various towns in Texas. Towards the end of Cruz's work career, he worked and retired from Mount Wesley Conference Center.

Cruz lived his years in Kerrville with the love of the Texas Hill Country and was a member of the Notre Dame Catholic Church.

Cruz was preceded in death by his parents, Cruz B. Lara Sr. and Margarita H. Lara; and his brothers, Tony Lara and Joe Lara.

Cruz is survived by his ex-wife, Paulette Sanchez; their daughter, Julie Lara (Richard Burton); grandchildren, Clayton Garcia (Sara), Cameo Gennaro (Justin Garza), William Brown and Megan Brown (Jose Sanchez); great-grandsons, Julian Bishop Valming and (baby) Cruz Carlos Garcia; brothers, John Lara (Tina) and Charlie Lara; sisters, Lydia Barron, Olivia Ozuna (Ted), Ester Mora (Donnie), Florence Menchaca (Edward), Mary Ayala (Ed); as well as numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

Rosary will be at 6 PM, Thursday, June 6, 2024 at Grimes Funeral Chapels, officiated by Deacon Jimmy Bill.

Funeral service will be held at 10 AM, Friday, June 7, 2024 at Notre Dame Catholic Church with Father Rafal Duda as celebrant. Interment will follow at Garden of Memories Cemetery.

Julie wishes to extend her sincere thanks to Sid Peterson Memorial Hospital staff, Hilltop Village Nursing and Rehab staff, River Hills Health and Rehabilitation staff, and Alamo Hospice staff. Special thank you to her daughter and son, Cameo Gennaro and William Brown for their love and support of their grandfather, her daughter, Megan Brown who assisted with her grandfather's bedside care while at Peterson Hospital, close family friend, Robbie Hurt for his numerous visits, prayers and assistance in feeding Cruz while at hospital and nursing home, her son Clayton Garcia as he assisted in the home health care of his grandfather, and most importantly to her mother Paulette Sanchez and Julie's boyfriend Richard Burton for their love, support and providing endless assistance in the 24 hr home health care of her father Cruz H. Lara, Jr.

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