Jesus Cruz

Jesus “Chumba” Santa Cruz

By Justice Santa Cruz

Jesus R. “Chumba” Santa Cruz was born in Por Venir Chihuahua, Mexico on December 8th

1938. He is the son of Jesus Santa Cruz and Severiana Robla, and one of eight children.

He settled in Van Horn at a young age and graduated from Van Horn High School and attended Sul Ross State University. He also played in the town’s baseball team, the Van Horn Red Sox. Throughout his adult life he worked as a self-employed welder and builder.

On July 4, 1960, he married Evangelina Valdez and the home they lived in was built by Chumba and was where they raised their four children. In his free time, he enjoyed building his children toys like the merry-go-round still in the yard today. Aside from building, Chumba also loved racing his ‘56 Ford and ‘58 Chevy Impala.

One of Chumba’s biggest achievements in life included being recognized as a hero for saving the life of one Rene E. Mendoza on March 1, 1966, by the Carnegie Hero Fund Commission. He gifted Mendoza the medal and is also recognized as a hero six times over.

Chumba passed on the 21 of February, he is survived by his three remaining sisters, Romana Saenz, Manuela Santa Cruz, and Francis Santa Cruz, his four children, Jaime, Laura, Caesar and Jesse, and his 13 grandchildren and four great-great grandchildren.

A public visitation for Chumba will begin at 10am on March 3rd, at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church, Rosary at 12pm, the funeral mass at 1pm officiated by Father Frank Hernandez.  The burial will follow at the Van Horn Cemetery.  Casket Bearers to be Jaime Santa Cruz Jr., Elijah Santa Cruz, Jacob Nieto, Joseph Nieto, Karl Allen, Oswaldo Santa Cruz, Robert Santa Cruz, and Analouisa Santa Cruz.

We love you Grandpa, we’ll miss you.  Rest In Peace.

Funeral arrangements entrusted to Heritage Funeral Home of Van Horn, Texas