Juan Bautista

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Juan Bautista, 86, of Ballinger, Texas, passed away Tuesday, March 11, 2014, and pronounced at Ballinger Memorial Hospital. He was blessed to spend the last moments of his Life enjoying a gentle breeze with his wife, Felicitas Bautista, as they sat on their back porch listening to his favorite, Tejano music.

Born to Faustino and Angelita (Guedea) Bautista on January 27, 1928, in Sonora, Texas, Mr. Bautista always worked hard to provide for his family.  For many years he was beloved by students as a cafeteria cook for the Sonora Independent School District.  Later, Juan met and married the love of his Life, Felicitas Patiño, on March 20, 1976, and moved to Ballinger, Texas.  He began working in Winters, Texas, at Dry Manufacturing.  Then quickly earned his certificate as a welder and began commuting to Dry Manufacturing in Coleman, Texas, and retired in 1992.  Despite the drive, Juan would never miss a day of work.  During bad or icy weather, he would place chains on his tires, leave home even earlier in order to make it to work and provide for his family.

Juan was also dedicated to his Catholic faith and a member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Ballinger.  He enjoyed making regular pilgrimages with his wife and family to the Basilica of Our Lady of San Juan del Valle in San Juan, Texas.

Juan had a love for fishing and watching old western shows, including anything with Jimmy Stewart.  His grandchildren brought him great joy, too, especially in the last few years of Life.  With them and others, he would always share a Jimmy Stewart quote. Instead of good-bye, Juan would smile with a chuckle and simply say, “See you in the funny papers.”

Preceding him in death were his parents, brothers: Vicente and Placido Bautista, and his grandson Joey Fuentes.

Juan is survived by his wife, Felicitas Bautista, of Ballinger, a son John Paul Bautista and Jean, and 10 daughters, Lydia Ramon and Richard, Gloria Dominguez and Carlos, Angela Gallegos and George, Virginia Martinez and Jessie, Isabel Mendez and Antonio, Marta Arteaga, Sylvia Arteaga, Felicitas Sanchez and Fernando, Gloria Arteaga, and Antonia Rocha and David.  Also surviving are 26 grandchildren, numerous great-grandchildren and one soon-to-be great-great grandchild.

Rosary will be recited at 7:00 P.M., Friday, March 14 ^th , at St. Mary Catholic Church in Ballinger.  Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 A.M., Saturday, March 15 ^th , at St. Mary Catholic Church.  Burial will follow at Evergreen Cemetery in Ballinger. Pallbearers include nephews: David Bautista and Placido Bautista, Jr., and sons-in-law:  Carlos Dominquez, Antonio Mendez, Fernando Sanchez and David Rocha.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Runnels County Meals on Wheels or St. Mary Catholic Church.

“See you in the funny papers.” – Jimmy Stewart, It’s a Wonderful Life.