Richard (Rick) Gonzales Saenz, a long time resident of Schertz, Texas, passed away at the age of 78 on Saturday, May 23, 2026, surrounded by his family.

Richard was born in New Braunfels, Texas to Manuel Saenz and Aurora Gonzales in 1947. He grew up playing Little League Baseball and discovered his passion for cars and racing while helping out at his family's mechanic shop.

He joined the U.S. Army in 1967 and served two tours in Vietnam as a helicopter crew chief and co- pilot, where he was awarded the Bronze Star and numerous air medals.

In August of 1974 he married Rita May Bose and they moved to Schertz, Texas to start their family. He continued his military career in the Army Reserve as an instructor while also receiving his BAAS degree from Southwest Texas State University in 1980 and started his civilian career in automotive related sales. In 2006, after almost 40 years of military service he retired from the Army National Guard. He lived out the rest of his life in Schertz, Texas working on his hot rods especially his Grandpa Jo's 1955 Chevy Wagon and loved being surrounded by his family and pets.

Richard is survived by his beloved wife, Rita Saenz, three daughters, Zabrina, Celeste, and Georgia Saenz, one son, Richard Saenz, one granddaughter, Catalina Saenz Moheit, and his sister Francis Landin and numerous nieces and nephews.

A Visitation will be held on Tuesday, May 9, 2026 at Schertz Funeral Home from 5:00-8:00 PM with the Recitation of the Holy Rosary to begin at 7:00 PM. A Funeral Mass will be held the following morning at Good Shepherd Catholic Church at 11:30 AM and a procession to the Graveside Service to follow at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery at 1:15 PM.