Arnoldo "Andy" Saenz
March 25, 1931 - October 2, 2022

Arnoldo "Andy" Saenz, 91, went to be with our Lord, Sunday October 2, 2022. He was born on March 25, 1931 at the Las Delicias Ranch, Santa Eleana, Texas to Santiago Saenz and Fidela Alaniz Saenz. Arnoldo was predeceased by his parents, brothers and sisters; Josefa Saenz Guerra, Getrudis Saenz Rodriguez, Graciano Saenz, Gabriel Saenz, Nestor Saenz, Manuelita Saenz Elizondo, Beatriz Saenz Lopez, Roberto Saenz, Amalia Saenz Longoria, Elias Saenz, Ramiro Saenz, Haydee Saenz Longoria, Santiago Saenz Jr., Emma Saenz Falcon and Juan Erasmo Saenz. He is survived by his loving wife of 66 years Shirley Derouen Saenz and three children: David Saenz (Sheri), Regina Saenz Rice, and Chris Saenz (Matt). He has one granddaughter, Jacqueline Olivia Rice, who was the sunshine of his life.

Arnoldo graduated in May 1950 from Rio Grande City High School. On December 27, 1950, he enlisted in the U.S. Army Armed Forces with boot camp at Fort Riley, Kansas. He was deployed for combat in Korea with the 2nd Infantry Division, 1stBattalion. He washonorably discharged on December 1, 1953. Shortly after serving his country, Arnoldo moved to Corpus Christi and frequented the Office Lounge where his impressive dance skills caught the eye of a Cajun girl from Biloxi, MS, Shirley Ann Derouen. They met, fell in love on the dance floor, and were married on March 2, 1956. He attended Del Mar Technical Institute from 1957 -1960 earning a Machinist certification. In 1963, Arnoldo and family moved to Houston after he was hired by Continental Can Company, where was employed as a line maintainer for 35 Years (1963-1997). After retirement, he worked briefly doing security in the baggage claim at Hobby Airport, then found the perfect post-retirement job at his neighborhood hardware store, Golfcrest True Value Hardware, where he worked for nearly 15 years.

Arnoldo loved life. He loved God, his Catholic faith, his family, his country, and dancing. So much so that during and after his time in the military, he worked part-time teaching dance for Arthur Murray and Fred Astaire dance schools.Healso loved music andcould whistle a tune with the best of them. Some of his favoritebands were The Platters, Fats Domino, Boots Randolph, Herb Alpert & the Tijuana Brass, andSergio Mendes & Brasil '66. As a young man, Arnoldo dabbled playing the saxophone in a band. As his 80th Birthday approached, he decided to take up the instrument once again, so his family presented him with a brand new saxophone.

He was an active member of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church for 47 years and a previous member of the Knights of Columbus Regina Coeli Council #4577. Arnoldo was happiest at home with his family, especially with his Granddaughter, Jackie, and when he could go back to his hometown to spend time at the Las Delicias Ranch.

Arnoldo enjoyed attending Sunday Mass, having a Corona beer or Margarita, a well-done steak,ribs from Pappas BBQ, fried fish on Fridays, and eating cheese sticks. Tang, the popular, orange flavored drink mix, was a staple for many years at theSaenz household. With a pitcher always mixed up in the fridge, this was the inspiration for Arnoldo's signature cocktail "TNT", Tang and tequila. Watching baseball, football, and basketball were also favorite past times, especially his favorite team, the Houston Astros.

He was a loving, caring husband, father, grandfather, Godfather, uncle, and friend.We loved him dearly and will remember him fondly for his sense of humor and gentle manner.He will be greatly missed by all.

The Saenz Family will be receiving visitors on Friday, October 28 at Forest Lawn Funeral Home, 8706 Almeda Genoa Road, Houston, TX 77075 from 5:30-8pm. A Rosary will be recited at 7:00 p.m. The funeral Mass will take place 12pm. Saturday, October 29, 2022, at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, 6725 Reed Road, Houston, TX 77087. Interment will follow at 2:00 p.m. Forest Lawn Cemetery, 8601 Almeda-Genoa Road, Houston, TX 77075, with full military honors. Immediately following the burial all are invited to greet the family at 3:00 p.m. at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Elementary School Parish Hall, 6703 Whitefriars Drive, Houston, TX 77087.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests any donations be made to Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, 6723 Whitefriars Dr., Houston, TX 77087