Cecilio Sauceda

On October 3, 2017 Cecilio Sauceda, after a lengthy illness, was called to be with the Lord and joins his wife of 58 years, Graviela Sauceda who passed away three months ago. Preceding him in death was his grandson, Christopher Reed and his parents, Pablo and Petra Sauceda. Also, he is preceded in death by his brothers Genaro and Simon Sauceda and sisters Francisca Benavides, Dominga Olvera, and Dora Sauceda. Cecilio served in the U. S. Marine Corps from 1954 to 1958, serving in Post Korean War era. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and Spanish from Pan American University and a Masters Degree in Linguistics from University of California at Fresno. Cecilio was a published author, educator and school administrator. His educational profession began in Donna ISD where he served as a teacher at Runn Elementary. After relocating his family to Fresno, California, Cecilio continued his teaching career serving as a secondary English teacher. While in California and because the Sauceda family had been farm workers as well, Ceclio marched with Cesar Chavez, whose main goal was to gain farm workers rights and equity. Upon his return to the Valley, and during his final years before retirement, Cecilio served as Interim Superintendent for the district. In addition, Cecilio was active in city and school government for many years. Survivors include his children, Cecilio, Jr; John Paul (Esther), both of Donna; Margie (Len) Marks of Littleton, Colorado; Martha Sauceda of Mission; Mildred Sauceda of Donna; Michelle (Randy) Hagood of Canadian, Texas. Cecilio is also survived by brother, Butch (Melva) Sauceda of Donna; Sisters, Eugenia Ortiz of Coachella, California; Modesta Villanueva of Donna; Inocencia (Andy) Martinez of Mercedes; and Emma (Ed) Blaha of McAllen, Texas. Also surviving are grandchildren, Garrett Randall Hagood, Gabriela Maurice Hagood, Alexis Paulo Sauceda, Kathryn Navora Hinojosa, Amaya Alyssa Sauceda, and one great grandson, Christopher Sauceda II. Visitation will be held on Friday, October 6th, from 3-9pm, with a rosary at 7pm, at McCaleb Funeral Home. Mass will be held on Saturday, October 7th, 10am, at St Joseph Catholic Church in Donna with burial to follow at Val Verde Cemetery in Donna.