Higinio "Gene" Vasquez, Jr.

Our beloved father, Higinio Gene Vasquez, Jr., (83), of Del Rio, TX, passed away peacefully on July 30, 2023, in Pflugerville, Tx, with family. He was the only boy and youngest of four children born on April 10, 1940, to his parents Higinio and Refugia Vasquez in Del Rio, TX, where he attended school and graduated from San Felipe High School in 1960. He went on to obtain a Bachelor’s degree in Education from Sul Ross University in Alpine,Tx. Gene Vasquez, Jr. is preceded in death by his parents, Higinio and Refugia Vasquez and his three sisters: Guadalupe Garza of Del Rio, Juanita Vasquez of San Antonio and Alicia Rodriguez of Dallas. He is survived by his seven children: Higinio Gene Vasquez IV (Sonya) of Del Rio, David Vasquez (Eva) of Del Rio, Leo Vasquez (Monica) of San Antonio, Genella Denise Vasquez Rubio (Luis) of Del Rio, Laura V. Seville (Mario) of Tampa, Florida, Lorena Natalie Vasquez Barrera (Jesus) of Pflugerville , Tx and his youngest son Miguel Angel Vasquez of Austin, Tx. He has 18 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Gene worked as a Spanish teacher and educator here in Del Rio and other Texas districts for many years before embarking in a career in business and sales and he was a proud and active member of the San Felipe Exes Association. During his free time, he enjoyed visiting with his children and grandchildren and sharing his love of golf and life’s wisdom, great food either at home or his favorite restaurants with friends and family, hunting, traveling, watching the Dallas Cowboys, watching golf and visiting Kickapoo Lucky Eagle Casino any chance he could. However, his cherished pastime was playing golf. A sport self-taught at a very young age as a caddy at the Del Rio Country Club. As a high school student, he went on to play for the first ever San Felipe High School Mustangs golf team that won the 2A state championship in 1957. "The Mustang Miracle" is the story of this incredible victory. It was published some 50 plus years later. Then, for approximately 12 years, there was some discussion of a movie, “The Long Game” (based on the book). It premiered in March 2023 in Austin, TX. ( Information on a release date for the general public is still pending.) Gene, his children, family and many friends were extremely happy and honored to attend the star studded event. While he will be missed terribly by his children, grandchildren and those who loved him, we take great comfort that his presence will continue to be felt through his legacy of family and the love of golf. Our fathers last words to his youngest son describe Daddy perfectly: “I came. I saw. I conquered.” Love you, Daddy!!!! Visitation will be held on Thursday from 5 to 9 p.m. in the Trinity Chapel of Devotion. A Mass of Christian burial will be on Friday, August 4, 2023 at 8 a.m. at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church. Burial will follow at Sunset Cemetery. Pallbearers will be his 4 sons and 3 son in laws: Higinio Gene Vasquez lll, David Vasquez, Leo Vasquez, Miguel Angel Vasquez, Luis D Rubio, Mario Seville, and Jesus Barrera.

Higinio "Gene" Vasquez, Jr.

April 10, 1940 - July 30, 2023