Surrounded by his children, Cruz Gauna, 59, of Hondo lost his battle with cancer on Saturday, March 7, 2026.

Born April 14, 1966, in Hondo, he was the son of Ernesto D. and Marcelina Martinez Gauna.

Cruz had a gift for making people laugh. Whether he was telling one of his favorite jokes, sharing a playful story, or teasing those he loved most, he brought smiles to everyone around him. His humor was only matched by his kindness and the genuine care he showed to family, friends, and anyone lucky enough to cross his path.

He is preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Sylvia Ann Reyes Gauna; and siblings, Mary Obregon, Diana Obregon and Juan Gauna.

He is survived by his sons, Cruz Gauna, Jr. (Stella) of Hondo, Alfonso "Fonzie" Gauna and Edward "Eddie" Gauna, both of San Antonio; daughters, April Nicole Reyes (Paul Mejia) of D'Hanis and Velinda M. Gauna (Michael Martinez) of Midland; nine grandchildren, five great-grandchildren; brother, Ernesto Martinez Gauna of D'Hanis; and sisters, Arlene Hernandez of Poteet and Dominga Valdez of Dallas.

His life will be celebrated at the D'Hanis Nutrition Center on Friday, April 17, from 1 to 5 p.m.

Guinn-Horger Funeral Home