Alex Guzman

After a hard fight with pneumonia and other complications, our father, Alex Guzman, passed peacefully with his family by his side. He was 82 years old. We are deeply grateful to God that Dad understood how much we loved him.

Alex was born in Corpus Christi, TX on June 8, 1940 to Cristobal and Consuelo (Schunior) Guzman. He was the second of four children that included older brother Chris, Jr., Imelda, and Carlos. Like his father and brother Chris, Jr., he attended the all-boys school, College Academy. When Alex turned seventeen, he had had enough of school and decided to join the Army. With his father’s permission and, after signing the necessary release, Alex was on a bus headed to Fort Bragg, North Carolina where he entered basic training. It was during his time at Fort Bragg that Alex applied to and was accepted into the paratrooper training program. He completed his training in November 1957, becoming a proud member of the 82nd Airborne Division. He was honorably discharged from the Army in June 1963.

During his time in the Army, Alex was posted in Germany, where he developed a life-long love with the German language. He studied his language books every day and was always practicing different German phrases with his daughter Veronica. Upon his return from Germany, he met and married Lucila Morales.  They had four children, Veronica, Gerald, Yvette, and Adrian. They remained in Corpus Christi until 1971 when Alex was accepted into the Federal Aviation Administration’s Air Traffic Controller’s training program. Upon completion of training, Dad was posted to FAA Center Houston, and the family soon moved to the small community of Huffman, Texas. While with the FAA, Dad joined the Professional Air Traffic Controllers Organization (PATCO), which went on strike May 3, 1981.

In 1985, Alex and Lucila relocated back to Corpus Christi, where he began working at Naval Air Station-Corpus Christi. After retiring from CCNAS, Dad took up flying, eventually becoming an instructor pilot with Signature Aviation. It was during this time that Dad met cardio-thoracic surgeon Dr. Mark Morales when he signed up for pilot training. Dad went from pilot instructor to personal pilot for Dr. Mark. During their twenty-one years of working together, Dr. Mark and Dad shared many an adventure, but they also formed a lasting friendship.

Dad quit flying in 2022 and life finally began to slow down a bit. Our parents divorced in 1991, but they remained close and when Lucila was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2021, Alex was the first in line to help her. He spent the last two years making sure Lucila was comfortable – taking her to Whataburger for lunch and for long drives along the Bayfront. Their favorite past-time was walking side-by-side along the Bayfront.

Alex is preceded in death by his daughter, Yvette Monica Guzman (2010), his parents, Cristobal and Consuelo, and his brother Chris Jr. He is survived by his children Veronica Guzman Hays (Robert), his sons Gerald Guzman (Lisa) and Adrian Guzman.  He is also survived by his grandchildren, Joe Guzman (Nancy), Jordan Guzman (Kelly), Hayley Remund (Chris), Kyle Hays and Kara Hays. He is also survived by his two great-grandchildren, Luke Guzman and Eleanor James Remund. His sister Imelda Gregov (Joe) and his youngest brother Carlos Guzman (Cindy) survive him as well.

The last three weeks were a roller coaster for our family. We experienced every emotion imaginable. In the end, it was God’s grace that gave us the strength to stay strong for our beloved father as the end came.

Our family would like to express our deep gratitude to the entire ICU staff at Corpus Christi Medical Center – Bay Area. Drs. Ali, Franco, Flores, and Komikanla did all they could to help our dad. ICU nurses Cassidy, Christina, Crystal, Madison, and Sidney – you are God’s angels. We cannot express to you how much your gentle care of our father meant to us. Your tireless efforts gave us great comfort.

A Visitation will be held at the Seaside Reid Chapel from 9:30-11:30am on Wednesday, May 24th, 2023 with a Rosary and Liturgy Service at 11:30am. Entombment will follow at Seaside Memorial Park. We ask that in lieu of flowers donations be made to Driscoll Childrens’ Hospital or any children’s organization of your choosing.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.