Jesus V. Cerrillo

Jesus V. Cerrillo, 96, of Wharton, died April 12, 2016, in Wharton. Jesus was born on October 15, 1919, to Epifanio and Paula Valle Cerrillo, in Medina, Texas. Jesus was raised in San Antonio before moving to Wharton County and beginning work as a farmer. He joined the army on November 4, 1941 and served honorably until October 15, 1945. He was an Antiaircraft Gun Crewman. He operated the Fuse Setter and helped move the gun from one place to another and set it up. He also served as a Chambering Machine Operator III, and First Machine Operator. He earned a Combat Infantryman Badge and a Sharp-shooter Rifle. He participated in battles and campaigns in Rineland Central Europe. He received service medals for American Defense, American Theater, European – African – Middle East Theater, and Good Conduct Medal. He married the love of his life, Mary N. Mata, on June 29, 1973. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and the American Legion in Wharton for many years, and a member of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church. He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters: Esperanza C. Pena (Santos, Sr.), Mary V. Cerrillo, Carmen V. Cerrillo and Amanda C. Gonzales (Maxcmilino); and brothers: Joe V. Cerrillo (Esther), Apolonio V. Cerrillo and Delfinio V. Cerrillo. He is survived by his wife, Mary N. Mata Cerrillo; sister, Dominga Aguilar; and many loving in-laws and other family members and friends. Visitation will be Thursday, April 14, 2016, from 5-9 p.m. with a Rosary at 7 p.m. at Wharton Funeral Home. Funeral Mass will Friday, April 15, 2016, at 10 a.m. at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church. Serving as Pallbearers are: John Esquivel, Olifidio Esquivel Jr., David Mata Sr., Catarino Mata, Ross Mata, Roy Cerrillo, Delfino Cerrillo and David Mata Jr. Burial will follow at Evergreen Memorial Park. Military Honors provided by the Veterans of Foreign Wars and American Legion Post 87. Funeral services under the direction of Wharton Funeral Home. Condolences may be left at www.whartonfuneralhome.com.