Cletus James Wertz

Cletus James Wertz

08/02/1945 - 11/07/2025

Cletus "Clete" James Wertz, age 80, of San Antonio, Texas, passed away peacefully on Friday, November 7, 2025 after a very brief hospitalization and diagnosis of cancer.

Born in Lilly, PA to parents Michael Howard Wertz and Esther Leona Stewart, he joined the United States Air Force after graduating high school and spent time in Vietnam as an aircraft mechanic. Through the years he worked on various prepress printing machines and ultimately opened his own business selling and servicing the same.

Clete and Vivian just celebrated their 48th wedding anniversary in October.

Clete is preceded in death by his parents, four brothers and one sister. He is survived by his loving wife Vivian Mechler Wertz of 48 years; three sons Cletus James Wertz II "Jamie" (Karen Roberts) of Converse, TX, Clayton Michael Wertz (Teri Ritchie-Wertz) of Floresville, TX and Christopher Lee Wertz (Robert Harris) of Shawnee, Kansas; Grand children Kea and Kai Wertz who gave him the name of "Grandpa Whiskers"; Sister, Margaret "Peggy/' Sauger of Colver, PA; Brother/Sisters-in-law Michael and Vickie Mechler of New Braunfels, TX , Ann White of Elgin, TX; numerous nieces and nephews.

Clete loved gardening, annual NHRA Drag Races with his friends, tent camping in the dead of winter with dear friends, and did not know a stranger. He could be seen hanging out with neighbors most evenings or sweeping the street. Most of all, he enjoyed the building of his ratrod and his green 1956 Ford FIOO.

Clete will be cremated and interred at Holy Cross Cemetery at a later date. Clete's Celebration of Life time/date/place will be announced in the near future.

The family wishes to acknowledge the compassionate care afforded to Clete while in Northeast Baptist Hospital and finally in All Seasons Hospice of Texas. We are eternally grateful.