Efren Perez, Sr., 1945–2024

Efren Perez, Sr., 78, of Lockney, Texas, passed away Friday, April 29, 2024 in his home surrounded by his wife, Maria, and his children.

Efren was born on June 18, 1945 in Edinburg, Texas, to Manuel Perez and Avelina Salinas Perez.

He attended schools in Edinburg and in 1952 relocated with an aunt and uncle, Antonio Perez Castaneda, and his wife, Alcaldia Herminia Salazar Perez, to Plainview, Texas. He attended schools in Edinburg, Texas, and Plainview, Texas.

He worked as a restaurant cook and later a farm hand. He learned quickly, retained all information and found ways to do it better.

Efren met his wife, Maria Diaz, in July 1968 at a laundromat where she worked in Edinburg, Texas. They married December 27, 1968 in Edinburg and began their life planting family roots in Plainview, Texas.

Efren managed operations for several area farmers from 1962 to 1991 when an opportunity at United Farm Industries Co-op changed his career path. Efren was not afraid of much, relying heavily on his faith to God and his common sense. He always worked smarter not harder and always taught those around him when he could.

Efren had a passion for God, his church and his family. He loved photography learning most of that on his own. He spent his weekends at the lake boating and fishing and was constantly working in the yard, growing a garden or working on cars. He drove around the country and Mexico with his family on vacations then to the military bases where his sons were stationed.

He worked, without hesitation, on building his families’ home in Lockney including a barn/shop where they could mechanic together. He would help build, frame, work on electrical and just about anything else that needed done at his home church, San Jose Catholic Church for many years. He drove only Fords and believed they ran better if they were red.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Manuel and Avelina Perez, and five brothers, Jose Manuel Perez, Juan Jose Perez, Isidrio Perez, Alfredo Perez and Vicente Perez.

He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Maria of Lockney; four children, sons Efren Perez, Jr., of Fort Worth, Texas, Juan Jose Perez (wife, Vickie) of Greenville, South Carolina, and David Daniel Perez (wife Becky) of Huntersville, North Carolina, and a daughter, Cynthia Marie Perez of Amarillo, Texas; five grandchildren, Magan Dorfman and Diego Jonathon Perez of Greenville, South Carolina, Patrick Daniel Perez of Huntersville, North Carolina, and Jessalyn Marie Ledesma and Jericka Jordyn Ledesma of Amarillo; and his remaining siblings, Maria de Socorro Perez Salinas, Maria Auxiliadora Perez Salinas, Rogelio Perez, Jose Manuel Perez, San Juanita Perez Salinas, Arturo Perez, Francisco Perez, Maria Teresa Perez Salinas Pena, Martha Silvia Perez Flores, Gilberto Perez, Gloria Angelica Perez Salinas, and Veronica Perez.

Funeral mass was celebrated at 10 a.m., Monday, April 22, 2024 at San Jose de Calasanz Church in Lockney, Texas, with Father Sylvester D’souza officiating.

Burial followed at Parklawn Memorial Gardens in Plainview.

Arrangements were under the care of Kornerstone Funeral Directors of Plainview.

A rosary was held at 6 p.m., Sunday, April 21, 2024 at Kornerstone Chapel. Visitation followed at 7 p.m.

Online condolences can be made at www.kornerstonefunerals. com.