Jose Enrique Lerma

Jose Enrique Lerma, affectionately known as Henry, peacefully entered the gates of Heaven surrounded by love on March 15, 2024, at the age of 92. He was born on February 26, 1932, in San Ygnacio, Texas.

He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. Henry was married to his beloved wife, Ramona Rebeca (Beca) Lerma, for 67 years, sharing a bond that was a beacon of love and commitment.

Henry's journey was marked by dedication and service. After graduating from Zapata High School, he worked as a farm hand, and he served honorably in the U.S. Army during the Korean War, embodying bravery and patriotism. Even after his military service, Henry remained steadfast in his commitment to his country, serving in the U.S. Army reserves while pursuing a career in plumbing.

Throughout his life, Henry's hard work and entrepreneurial spirit shown brightly. He established "Lerma Plumbing," becoming a trusted neighborhood plumber while working with companies like Winston and Parkdale Plumbing. Later, he retired as a Pipefitter from the Naval Air Station in Corpus Christi, Texas, after 40 years of combined federal service.
Retirement didn't slow Henry down; he continued to contribute his time and skills, working at the Gabe Lozano Golf Course, Cimarron Driving Range, and serving as a security officer for the Port of Corpus Christi.

His passions were diverse, ranging from cheering on the Dallas Cowboys to indulging in hobbies like hunting, fishing, gardening, going to the casino, crossword puzzles and singing to his wife & children.

Henry's faith was unwavering, as evidenced by his lifetime memberships. He was a longtime parishioner of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church. He was also a devoted member of veterans' organizations, including being a lifetime member of Veterans of Foreign Wars, Disabled American Veterans, and the American Legion.

A pillar of wisdom and encouragement, Henry emphasized to his children the importance of education, financial literacy, independence and loving and taking care of one another. He leaves behind a legacy of love, resilience, and compassion.

As a young man Henry was an extra in the major movie “Viva Zapata” where some parts were filmed in San Ygnacio, Texas, starring Marlon Brando and Anthony Quinn in 1952 prior to enlisting in the US Army.

Henry is preceded in death by his parents Enrique & Martina Lerma, five brothers, Dionicio, Maximiliano, Rogelio, Armando, and three sisters Felicidad, Hortencia & Armandina. His Beloved wife Beca, daughter Olga Lydia Lerma and grandsons Robert Joseph Vera & Nicholas Henry Lerma.

He is survived by his eight children, Jose Luis (Nelia) Lerma, Eugenio Orlando (Gloria) Lerma, Nelda Eliza (David) Juarez, Martina(Roland) Vera, Jose Enrique(Diane) Lerma Jr., Nilda Elsa (Juan) Lerma, Rebecca(Fred) Orta and Celinda Anna (Daniel) Ramirez, Thirty-one grandchildren, Twenty-eight great-grandchildren, one sister Ramona Zepeda and numerous nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, March 24, 2024, from 5:00 p.m., to 9:00 p.m. at Corpus Christi Funeral Home, with a Rosary at 7:00 p.m. that same evening.  A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday, March 25, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, followed by interment at Coastal Bend Veterans State Cemetery with full military honors.
Henry's life will be celebrated by those who knew and loved him, as we honor his memory and the legacy he leaves behind.

Having the distinguished honor of serving as pallbearers are: Jose Luis Lerma Jr (Jojo), Roland Anthony Vera, Ruben Rangel (RJ), Michael Orta (Mikey), John Henry Lerma, Daniel Enrique Ramirez (Danny).

Honorary Pallbearers are David Anthony Juarez, Steven Orta, Crisoforo A Rangel (Cris) and Juan Valdez.

A special thank you is extended to Juan Valdez and the staff at Caraday of Corpus Christi for their love, care and support of our Dad. The family extends their deepest gratitude for all the love, thoughts and prayers sent their way as they navigate yet again through this difficult time.