Carlos Jose Uresti

Carlos José Uresti Carlos Uresti, 68, passed away October 18, 2017 at his sister-in-law’s home in Houston after being displaced by Hurricane Harvey. He is survived by his wife of almost 49 years, Catalina Uresti, daughter, Regina Chapa and husband, Ricardo, son, Javier Carlos Uresti and wife, Josephine, brother, Mario A. Uresti, grandchildren, Carlos Chapa, Alonzo Chapa, Cilicia Chapa, Cristian Uresti, Adela Uresti, and Tomás Uresti, great grandchild, Emmett Chapa, and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, and uncles. Carlos was born on August 17, 1949 in Newgulf, Texas to the late Carlos A. and Adela R. Aguilar Uresti. In the late ‘50s, his family moved to Houston, where he graduated from Austin High School, attended the University of Houston, and married Catalina Solorio on November 24, 1968. He was drafted into the U.S. Army and served from August 1969 to April 1971. As part of Company C of the 1st Battalion (mechanized) 5th Infantry, 25th Infantry Division, he fought with bravery in Vietnam and received a Bronze Star Medal for Heroism in Cambodia. After being honorably discharged, he and Catalina raised their family in Houston, eventually moving to Wharton over a decade ago. Carlos was a gifted musician; he not only played the trumpet, but wrote and composed horn parts for various bands. He played with Rocky Gil and the Bishops and was a founding member of Bobby Russell and the Starlights. Music could always be heard around his house. Carlos liked to stay busy. He was not long retired from NOV as a manufacturing engineer, before he went to work as a consultant for AOI. He enjoyed woodworking and always had an interesting building project, like a picnic table or lemonade stand. He was a true handyman around his house, always willing to help his neighbors and community, and headed maintenance at his Church, St. John the Baptist Catholic in Hungerford. He continued to be a man of service to his country, his community, and most importantly, his family. He became active in the Vietnam Veterans of America, San Jacinto Chapter 343, serving as past President, and for many years, he served on the Board of the Reed Employees Credit Union. Carlos enjoyed cooking, entertaining, and hosting parties at his home for family and friends. He treasured the many good times spent with his brother and extended family; his love and support of his family was limitless. He and his wife remained devoted to each other throughout their marriage. He was proud of his children and found joy in his grandchildren and great-grandchild. In addition to his parents, Carlos was preceded in death by his brother, José Carlos Uresti, and his daughter, Adelita Uresti. Visitation will be held on Friday, October 27th after 5 p.m. at the Chapel of Wharton Funeral Home with a rosary prayed at 7 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Saturday, October 28, 2017, 10 a.m. at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Hungerford with Rev. Charles Dwomoh officiating. The Rite of Committal and Burial will be in the St. John Cemetery in Hungerford. Serving as pallbearers will be his grandchildren, Carlos, Alonzo, Cilicia, Cristian, Adela, and Tomás along with Javier (son), Mario (brother), and Tio Julio Aguilar. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Vietnam Veterans of America, San Jacinto Chapter 343, P.O. Box 310306, Houston, Texas 77231, or on their website, vva.org. Condolences can be left at whartonfuneralhome.com. Funeral services are under the direction of Wharton Funeral Home.