Medardo Curiel Olivarez, 88, of Premont, Texas passed away in peace amid family on October 4, 2012. He was born on June 6, 1924 to Crispiano and Tomasita Curiel Olivarez in Falfurrias, Texas. Medardo was called to duty by the Army where he underwent training with the 704th Tank Destroyer Battalion in the summer of 1942 until mobilized to England via the British ship Brittanic and celebrated his 20th birthday on D-Day. As a member of the 704th, he was awarded the Victory medal, American Theatre Service Medal, European African Middle Eastern Service Medal, Asiatic Pacific Service Medal and the Good Conduct Medal decorations and citations awarded per DD-250 Honorable Discharge dated December 15, 1944. Mr. Olivarez was a lifetime member of the VFW # 7634 Lopez and Williams Post in Falfurrias where he served as an Honor Guard. Upon his return, he married the love of his life, Idolina “Lena” Villarreal Quintanilla of Premont, Texas and the two took their vows of matrimony on September 29, 1945. Recently, together, they celebrated their 66th wedding anniversary. Mr. Olivarez was a fine example of that generation of Americans respected for their military service, earnest work ethic and friendship. Mr. Olivarez was employed by the City of Corpus Christi until his retirement in 1979.
He is preceded in death by his parents; siblings and two children, Medardo C. Olivarez, Jr. and Jane Richards. He is survived by his loving wife, Idolina Olivarez of Premont, TX; children, Larry Q. Olivarez, Diana (Manuel) Sauceda, Robert P. (Cynthia) Olivarez, Liza Esparza all of Corpus Christi, TX, Roxanne O. Vasquez of Premont, TX and Marcus L. (Celinda Ramirez) Olivarez of Smiley, TX; daughter-in-law, Trinidad Olivarez; 23 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great grandchild and numerous nieces and nephews.
Honoring Mr. Olivarez as pallbearers will be Larry Olivarez, Jr., James Esparza, Albert Vasquez, Leroy Garza and Jacob and Ruben Meza. Honorary pallbearers will be his great-grandchildren.
Rosary will be recited at 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 7, 2012 at the Funeraria Del Angel Howard Williams in Falfurrias with visitation beginning at 4:00 p.m.
Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, October 8, 2012 at the St. Theresa’s Catholic Church in Premont.
Burial will follow at the Premont Cemetery-Veteran’s Section.