Clarence Guerrero

April 18, 1928 - August 19, 2021

Dad / Papaw passed away with his usual bravado and stubbornness at home, surrounded by his family, age 93. He was an original and will be missed.

Clarence was born and raised in East Austin during the Great Depression. He was a lifelong devout Catholic, starting at Our Lady of Guadalupe [where he also attended grade school], growing his family at St. Ignatius Martyr, and ending at Santa Cruz in Buda. He was a member of the Cursillo movement, and the Century Club and Lions Club service organizations. Dad spent two years in the Navy, just after World War 2 ended. It is said that he lied about his age to get in early.

He met his life partner Estella Sanchez Guerrero in 1951. He played hard to get, but Mom won that one. They celebrated their 68th anniversary in January, not a bad run. Together, they raised a family of eight children, along with several foster kids.

Apparently, eight was not enough. They didn't have a lot, but they had each other.

Clarence learned carpentry from his dad at an early age, got tired of working for other people, and started his own remodeling company, Clarence Guerrero Construction [with the business acumen of Stella], in 1957. In the second generation, the company evolved into CG&S Construction, and continues today as CG&S Design Build, grown to 42 employees, built on his tireless work ethic and high standards. Thanks Dad!

Although Clarence did not attend college [much less high school], he was an avid Longhorn fan and attended hundreds of UT football games as a season ticket holder. His famous 'We don't mess around' yell was a standard tailgating anthem, directed mainly at OU and A&M backers. This was also heard in local restaurants on occasion.

Dad was a generous and inclusive host, who invited folks into his South Austin home for gatherings almost every week, usually with barbecue, beer, and a game or two of washers on the menu. He made everyone feel welcome. He could smoke a brisket, for sure.

For a time, Clarence enjoyed owning and racing quarter horses, most often at Manor Downs, where betting was part of the fun. The smart money followed Mom.

In 1987, Dad created a country home outside of Buda, retired from construction, and became a rancher with a small herd of cows and a tank full of catfish and bass. This place served as the new family gathering spot for all major holidays and big football games. Many late-night poker games happened there too. As Papaw would say after he won a big hand, 'The price of poker just went up, boys'. And he was right. This is where he spent his last days, under the shady live oaks he planted all those years ago. Papaw loved trees!

Clarence was an intense man, and a tough man. He had a hard life; nothing was handed to him. He was a fighter, did not suffer fools, and spoke his mind without regret. But he also had a delightful sense of humor, a real silly streak, which was endearing, and perhaps unexpected.

Clarence helped build Austin, and leaves a legacy of family, hard work, and integrity. We love you Dad!

A huge thank you to Dad's home care team: daughter, Marguerite Wilson, RN, Kim McMillan, the support network of his sons, daughters, son and daughter in-laws, grandchildren, and the hospice professionals at Halcyon Home.

Clarence was preceded in death by his parents, Sulema LaFuente Guerrero and Crisanto Patricio Guerrero, brother, Pat Guerrero and sisters Virginia Guerrero, Jean Mongaras, Sulema Cruz, Sister Armela CSC, and daughter in law, Mary Guerrero.

His surviving sibling is Agnes Russell. Surviving children: James Guerrero [Laura], John Guerrero [Luz], Thomas Guerrero [Kelly], Billy Guerrero, Egina Siddall [Bob], Marguerite Wilson, Dolores Davis [Stewart] and Simon Guerrero [Gloria].

Clarence was blessed with 33 grandchildren and 22 great grandchildren.

Pallbearers are first born grandsons, Joe Guerrero, Tori Guerrero, Louis Guerrero, Javier Guerrero, Jacob Kaase, Zebadiah Wilson, Ryan Davis and Daniel Guerrero.

Honorary pallbearers are son in laws Bob Siddall and Stewart Davis.

Visitation and Rosary will be Tuesday, August 24 at Harrell Funeral Home in Kyle. 1715 Kirby, Kyle, TX 78640. 5:00 - 7:00 Visitation. 7:00 Rosary. Mass and Burial on Wednesday, August 25 at 1:00 at Santa Cruz Catholic Church; 1100 Main St, Buda, TX 78610. Burial at Maria De La Luz Cemetery, 7200 Circle S Rd, Austin, TX 78745.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Alzheimer's Texas https://www.txalz.org/