Gilbert P. Acuna

Gilbert P. Acuna, 82, of Seguin, TX, passed away peacefully at home on April 11, 2025, surrounded by the love of his devoted wife and family. Born on October 15, 1942, in Kingsville, TX, to Juan and Trinidad Acuna, Gilbert lived a life defined by service, integrity, and deep-rooted love for his family and community. Family was the heart of Gilbert’s life. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife and the mother of his children, Carmen N. Acuna; his parents, Juan and Trinidad Acuna; and his brother, Juan P. Acuna. He leaves behind his cherished wife of 24 years, Angelica Acuna, of Seguin, TX; his loving children, Joanna Acuna-Guerra (Hector), Celina Sharpe (David), Christine Gonzalez (Daniel), and Albert Acuna (Erica), all of San Antonio, TX; and his stepchildren, Omar Curiel (Heather) of Seattle, WA, and Christina Curiel (Abel) of Austin, TX. Gilbert was a proud brother to Reynaldo Acuna (Julia) of Corpus Christi, TX, and Evelinda Cisneros-Flores (Manuel) of Laredo, TX, and brother-in-law to Eddie Bazan of Corpus Christi, TX. He was a treasured grandfather to twelve grandchildren—Hector, Carmen, Emilia, Daniela, Emma, Thomas, Lizzie, Isaac, Marco, Aaron, Carter, and Jonah—who brought immense joy to his life. Gilbert’s legacy extends to a large and loving extended family and countless friends whose lives were touched by his kindness, humility, and generous spirit. A gifted athlete and scholar, Gilbert graduated from H.M. King High School, where he shone in football, basketball, and track. He went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy from the University of Houston, launching a long and respected career. Returning to his hometown of Kingsville, he married his high school sweetheart, Carmen Narvaez, and built both a family and a business—eventually becoming the proud owner of Leo’s Pharmacy, a trusted cornerstone of the community. In 2000, he and Angelica relocated to Seguin to be closer to family, where his commitment to service never wavered. Gilbert’s dedication to civic life was profound. He made history as Kingsville’s first Hispanic mayor, serving two terms after three terms as City Commissioner, and at the time, was also the youngest to hold the office. He lent his leadership and voice to the KISD School Board and was appointed by Governor Ann Richards to the Texas State Board of Pharmacy. He was a lifelong member of organizations that reflected his faith and values, including the Knights of Columbus, Mutualistas, LULAC, Our Lady of Good Counsel Church, the Boy Scouts of America, and several pharmacy associations at the local, state, and national levels. In Seguin, Gilbert remained deeply involved. He was a proud member of the Sunrise Rotary Club, the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and served two terms on the Seguin Economic Development Council. He continued his active faith life as a member of Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church. Outside of his many roles in public life, Gilbert found joy in simple pleasures: traveling with loved ones, spending quality time with family, and sharing laughs on the golf course with close friends. To all who knew him, Gilbert was a man of wisdom, quiet strength, and unwavering love. His greatest accomplishment was not in titles or honors, but in the family he raised and the countless lives he uplifted along the way. Visitation will be held at Ramirez-Salinas Funeral Home on Tuesday, April 15, from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., with a Rosary at 7:00 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, April 16, at 10:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Good Counsel Church. Gilbert will be laid to rest at Kingsville Chamberlain Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Gilbert’s honor to the Lone Star Parkinson's Society, Rock Steady Boxing, at 614-CS Business IH35 PMB51, New Braunfels, TX. The family extends their heartfelt thanks to GRMC Hospice and Yaritza Benitez for their compassionate care and support during Gilbert’s final days.

Gilbert P. Acuna

October 15, 1942 - April 11, 2025