Braulio T. Montalvo, Jr.

Braulio T. Montalvo, Jr., a man whose life was truly defined by his passion for ranching and cowboy life, passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 14, 2024, at the age of 67. Born and raised in Laureles - King Ranch on January 6, 1957, Braulio found comfort and purpose in the vast open lands from an early age.
 
At the tender age of 10, Braulio began working alongside his father and the other Kineño family members and friends and with each passing day, his love for the cowboy way of life grew stronger. As he entered adulthood, Braulio dedicated himself as a mechanic, working on tractors, and tirelessly worked on the fence crew. However, it was when he discovered his true calling as a Kineño, working during weaning season palpating and vaccinating cattle and working with horses, that his heart found its home and became a full-time Cowboy. The cowboy way engulfed his being, and he lived in every moment spent, where he took great pride embracing the ranching lifestyle. The sight of him on a horse, guiding cattle across rugged pastures of Laureles truly captured his spirit.  For three decades, Braulio poured his heart and soul into this way of life.
 
Braulio found his way to NAS - Kingsville, where he continued to contribute his wisdom and expertise until finally retiring in 2009. Throughout his careers, Braulio made countless friends who admired him for his unwavering dedication to his craft and humble nature.
 

Above all else, Braulio cherished the presence of those he loved most. He possessed a great devotion to family; and was always there for his parents through thick and thin. However, it was in spending time with his children and grandchildren that he found pure joy. Whether it was weekend barbecues or simply sharing laughter under the warmth of the Texas sun, Braulio found great joy in the simplicity of these precious moments which meant so much to him.
 
Braulio's personality radiated kindness and humility to all those who had the pleasure of knowing him. He lived by a code rooted in respect for others and kept true to every word he spoke. His sense of humor was well known, and he had the ability to brighten even the darkest of days with his infectious laughter. Braulio was a genuine and caring soul, and he never hesitated to lend a helping hand to those in need.

As we bid farewell to Braulio T. Montalvo Jr., a remarkable individual who left a lasting mark on the lives of all who knew him, we cannot help but celebrate the vibrant life that Braulio lived. He leaves behind a legacy of dedication, love, and unwavering passion for life.

He was preceded in death by his father, Braulio Riviera Montalvo, Sr.

Among those left to cherish his memory are his loving and devoted wife, Elena Montalvo; sons, Jonathan Lee (Lupita) Montalvo, Lee Roy (Cathy) Montalvo, and Mark Anthony (Priscilla) Montalvo; daughter and apple of his eye, Jordan Montalvo; daughters he loved as his own, Crystal Watson and Victoria Guevara; step son-in-law, Arnie Jimenez; mother, Emma Trevino Montalvo; siblings, Melinda (Tony) Montalvo Lopez, Mary Ann (Manuel) Montalvo Peña, Lucy (Rick) Montalvo Frey, and Rene Montalvo; 16 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren and one on the way; numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family.

The family will receive condolences from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 21, 2024, at Turcotte-Piper Mortuary; with a holy rosary to be recited at 7:00 p.m.  A mass of christian burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, January 22, 2024, at St. Gertrude the Great Catholic Church.  A rite of committal and interment will follow at Chamberlain Cemetery.

Honoring Braulio as pallbearers are Lee Roy Montalvo, Mark Anthony Montalvo, Gabriel Montalvo, Israel “Rale” Vela, Arnie Jimenez, Jimmy Vela, Lee Vela, and Marty Alegria.

Honorary Pallbearers are Danny Martinez, Tony Garcia, Shawn Montalvo, Marky Montalvo, Jaydien Montalvo, Tres Montalvo, Bradley Montalvo, Brendon Jimenez, and Nicholas Jimenez.