Homero "Homer" Colunga Sr.'s Obituary
Homero (Homer) Colunga, 61, of Weslaco, entered eternal rest on December 28, 2025, surrounded by the love of his wife and children.
A Foundation of Hard Work
Born on July 21, 1964, in Weslaco, Homer was raised in Donna by his hardworking parents, Aniceto and Maria Colunga. Growing up in a family of migrant farmworkers, Homer learned the value of a tireless work ethic as they traveled the country. His parents instilled in him a simple but powerful mandate: to give his very best in all things in pursuit of the American Dream. Homer spent the rest of his life doing exactly that.
A Legacy of Leadership
Homer’s legendary 45-year career with McDonald’s of the Rio Grande Valley began at age 16. Starting as a crew member flipping burgers in Weslaco, his natural leadership propelled him quickly through the ranks. He broke ground as the store manager for the first-ever McDonald’s in Raymondville and later mastered the high-speed operations of the South 10th Street location in McAllen.
He eventually rose to Area Supervisor and Operations Manager, ultimately overseeing maintenance and special projects. Much of the modern landscape of McDonald’s across the Valley—remodeled stores and new constructions—stands as a testament to Homer’s vision and personal touch. He was a pillar of his "McFamily" at R.E.E., Inc., where he was revered for his guidance and mentorship.
Devotion to Family
While Homer was a titan in his professional life, his heart belonged to his family. While working at McDonald’s, Homer met the love of his life and coworker, Mary. In a profound act of love and sacrifice, Homer chose to decline an acceptance to the University of Notre Dame to marry the love of his life, Mary, and provide for their future in January of 1986.
Though he set aside his own academic path, his dream of higher education flourished through his children. He took immense pride in seeing his daughter, Bernie, graduate from Texas A&M and his son, Homer Jr., graduate from UTPA and Harvard University. His life’s work was a gift to his wife and a foundation for his grandchildren, whom he adored beyond measure.
Survivors and Precedents
Homer was preceded in death by his father, Aniceto S. Colunga.
His legacy lives on through his wife of nearly 40 years, Maria G. (Mary) Colunga; his mother, Maria R. Colunga of Donna; his son, Homer Jr. (Wendy); and his daughter, Bernardina (Joel) Garcia. He was the world’s proudest grandfather to Maximiliano, Joelene, and Felix Garcia, and step-grandchildren Logan, Diego, and Zoe.
He is also survived by his brothers: Aniceto, Jose, Albert, and Robert Colunga; his sisters: Elpidia Alvarado, Graciela Miramontes, and Betty Cavazos; and numerous brothers- and sisters-in-law, nieces, and nephews who adored their Uncle Homer.
The Colunga family would like to thank Russ and Jordan Ellis, Rey Sandoval, all of the R.E.E., Inc. McFamily, their extended family, and friends for their love and support during this time.
Service Information
Visitation for Homer will be held at McCaleb Funeral Home on Thursday, January 1, 2026, from 10am to 9pm, with a Holy Rosary at 5pm. Mass will be celebrated at St Joan of Arc, on Friday January 2, 2026 at 10am, with burial to follow at Highland Memorial Park.
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