Deacon Robert Gutierrez: 1932-2014

Deacon Robert “Bob” I. Gutierrez, a member of the first Diaconate Class for the Diocese of Amarillo, passed away Dec. 27. He was 82 years old.

Mass was celebrated Dec. 31, St. Mary’s Cathedral, Father John Valdez, pastor, St. Thomas the Apostle Church and Vicar of Clergy, Diocese of Amarillo, presiding, with Monsignor Harold Waldow, concelebrating.

Robert Gutierrez was born Feb. 2, 1932 in Shreveport, La., the son of Robert W. Gutierrez and Mary Garza. He joined the United States Air Force in 1952 and served his country until 1957. During that time he met the love of his life, a nursing student, Madolyn Jean Humphrey. He and “Maggie” were united in marriage on Aug. 31, 1954 in Tucumcari, NM.

The couple, which family described as “inseparable and deeply in love” noted their 60 ^th wedding anniversary earlier this year.

After leaving the service, Gutierrez worked various jobs to support his growing family and finally landed a position as an Assembler in the production area at Pantex Plant where he worked for 20 years.

His love for the Lord led him to become a deacon in the First Diaconate Class of the Diocese of Amarillo in 1977. Deacon Gutierrez’s duties included weddings, communions, sermons and baptisms. His other interests included family gatherings, football, working with his hands and reading western literature. To sum up Deacon Gutierrez’s life, he was a simple and humble man whose love for his family and his Lord, knew no bounds.

Survivors include his wife, Madolyn Gutierrez; his six children and their spouses, Robert and Sandy Marie Gutierrez, Gayle and Kevin Neusch, Pam and Richard Ornelas, Greg and Kimberly Gutierrez, Kelly and Cyndi Gutierrez and Michelle and Bob Garvert; a sister, Gloria Jean of Shreveport, La.; 21 grandchildren; and 24 great grandchildren.