Simon Garcia Velasquez, age 80, of Kingsville, Texas, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on October 14, 2026, in Kingsville, Texas. He was born on May 23, 1946, in Kingsville, Texas, to Pedro Velasquez and Angelita Garcia.

Simon was employed with Celanese for 27 years. He was a talented accordion player, a proud U.S. Marine Veteran, and a devoted Dallas Cowboys fan. Music was a special part of his life, and he enjoyed playing in Conjunto bands and mariachis. Above all, Simon deeply loved his children, but it was his grandchildren and great-grandchildren who truly stole his heart and brought him immeasurable joy.

He was preceded in death by his sisters, Aggie Villarreal and Yolanda Torres; his father-in-law, Richard Deleon; and his mother-in-law, Celia Quinones Deleon.

Simon is survived by his loving wife of 37 years, Raquel Deleon Velasquez; his children, Henry Thomas (Kim) Burden Jr., Monica Burden, Simon (Adriana) Velasquez Jr., and Selena Rivera; his grandchildren, Selena Benavides-Ramirez (Isaac), Erika Benavides (Tommy), Ashley Benavides, Sarissa Burden (Dorian), Sofia Burden, Isaiah Burden, Jacob Ryan Rivera, Joey Gutierrez, Jenna Gutierrez, and Sofia Barrera; and his great-grandchildren, Shelby, Isaac Jr., Eriela, Ashton, Izzaiah Roy, Sarrah, and Zariyah. He also eagerly awaited the arrival of a new great-grandchild, Ayden Simon, expected in December.

Visitation will be held on Monday, October 26, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. A rosary will be recited at 10:00 a.m. at Ramirez-Salinas Funeral Home. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 12:00 p.m. at St. Martin’s Catholic Church. Interment will follow at 2:00 p.m. at Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Corpus Christi, Texas.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to Spohn Shoreline Hospital, Harbor Hospice Hospital, Harbor Hospice, Choice Hospice, and Kingsville Nursing and Rehabilitation Center for their care, compassion, and support during this difficult time.

Arrangements are under the care of Ramirez-Salinas Funeral Home.