Catariino L. Rivera

Catarino L. Rivera, 97, of Wharton, died April 28, 2016, at his home in Wharton. Catarino was born on February 13, 1919, to Francisco and Faustina Luna Rivera, in Goliad, TX. Catarino was a long time resident of Wharton, moving to the area in 1945. He was a Feed Technician for Wearden Feed and Milling for many years, but his most important role was that of husband and father. He married the love of his life, Agapita Bernal Rivera in 1940. They shared seven children and enjoyed over 35 years of marriage before her death in 1976. He enjoyed gardening, including his roses and flowers, and dancing. He was also a very active member of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church. He always enjoyed going to help out at the church. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, daughter Emelia Oballe, sister Margarita Munoz and brother Jose Benevides. He is survived by daughters Julia Rodriguez, Elida Nunez & husband Joe and Juanita Llanes & husband Sixto; sons Jose Rivera & wife Lupe, Raul Rivera and Ernest Rivera; 26 grandchildren; 83 great-grandchildren; and 34 great-great-grandchildren. Visitation will be Sunday, May 1, from 5-9 p.m. with a Rosary at 7 p.m. at Wharton Funeral Home. Funeral Mass will be on Monday at 10 a.m. at Mt. Carmel with Father Antonio Perez officiating. Burial will follow at Evergreen Memorial Park. Pallbearers will be Jose Rivera Jr., Rene Rodriguez, Ernest Rivera Jr., Robert Rivera, Rudy Llanes, Daniel Oballe, Ruben Oballe and David Nunez. Funeral services under the direction of Wharton Funeral Home. Condolences may be left at www.whartonfuneralhome.com.