Enrique 'Quique or Henry' G. Solís, 81, of Kingsville, TX, passed away quietly Saturday night, Aug. 31, 2013, in Corpus Christi, TX. He was born in Kingsville on Oct. 28, 1931, to Ernesto Solís and Otila Garcia Solís.
As a youngster, he attended Kingsville schools, a College of Technology in Monterrey, Mexico, Barber College in San Antonio, TX, graduating from H. M. King High School in Kingsville.
He entered the U.S. Marine Reserves at age sixteen, and served his country honorably on active duty in the Korean War, becoming a member of the 'Frozen Few' – Marines holding off the enemy in the dead of winter until relief arrived. He received several medals for his military service.
In life, he was a barber, grocery store manager, realtor, truck driver, and bar owner. Enrique was a member of the VFW, DAV, Blinded Veterans Association, American Legion Post # 99, and St. Martin's Roman Catholic Church.
He was preceded in death by his parents, several siblings, a nephew, and his only son, Henry Solís, Jr. He is survived by his wife, Maria Luisa Mendieta Solís, daughters: Elizabeth 'Libby' Gale S. (Carlos) Martinez and Mary Louise Solís Martinez. He leaves four grandchildren: Jeremy, Daniel, Cassandra Martinez and Hannah Martinez. He is survived, too, by two sisters: Elizabeth S. Nelson and Irma G. Solís, both of Corpus Christi, three brothers: René G. (Lydia) Solís of Keizer, Oregon, Norberto G. (Margarita) Solís and Eli Solís, both of Kingsville, plus many nephews, nieces and cousins.
Visitation, under the care of Daniel Salinas of Ramirez-Salinas Funeral Home in Kingsville, was held on Thursday September 5, 2013 from 4-7:00 p.m. and Rosary followed.
A graveside Memorial Service with a twenty-one gun salute honoring Mr. Solís' service to his country will be held on Wednesday September 11, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. for a final farewell. Family and friends to meet for interment of ashes at Santa Gertrudis Memorial Cemetery in Kingsville. Officiating will be Deacon Raul Rosales of St. Martin Roman Catholic Church.