Beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend, Candelario "Candy" Soliz Saenz, Jr. passed away peacefully at the age of 76, surrounded by his loving family, on Sept. 2, 2025. Candy was born May 8, 1949, in Corpus Christi, to Candelario Sr. and Amelia Saenz.

A 1967 graduate of W.B. Ray High School, Candy, enlisted in the U.S. Army serving three years which included a 13-month tour in Vietnam, where he earned a Bronze Star Medal. After leaving active duty, he worked for Phillips 66 and Central Power & Light, where he retired after more than 30 years of service. He served his country proudly, loved his family deeply and was an enthusiastic supporter of the Dallas Cowboys.

Preceding him in death are his parents: Candelario Sr. and Amelia Saenz; his in-laws, Nicolas Sr. and Odilia Jimenez; brother-in-law, Nicolas Jimenez Jr.; and sister-in-law, Lupita Elmore. Survivors include his devoted wife of 53 years, Odilia "Odie" Jimenez Saenz; a son, Jacquin (Jessica) Saenz; a daughter, Jessica (Raymond) Guerra; grandchildren, Alonzo (Cassandra) Saenz; Harley Raye Guerra; Cy Guerra; Katrina (Marcus) Sanchez; Raymond (Meghan) Guerra Jr.; Christian Segovia and Angelina Zambrano; and 7 great-grandchildren; sisters, Estella (Joe) Ceballos and Linda (Raymond) Benavides; a brother, Eddie (Corina) Saenz; sisters-in-law, Diana (Ralph) Garza and Esmeralda Charles; brothers-in-law, Noe (Nora) Jimenez and Albert Elmore; many nieces and nephews; and countless family and friends.

Holy Rosary will be recited at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 15, 2025, at Guardian Funeral Home Chapel. Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 16, 2025, at Most Precious Blood Catholic Church, 3502 Saratoga Blvd. Burial with full military honors will follow at Coastal Bend Veteran's Cemetery at 1 p.m., 9974 I.H. 37 North Access Rd.

Pallbearers: Alex Jimenez, Alonzo Saenz, Gabriel Saenz, Kaleb Castillo, Marcus Sanchez and Michael Benavides; honorary pallbearer: Cy Guerra. Candy, a man of honor, warmth, and generosity, leaves behind a legacy of love and memories which will resonate in our hearts forever.

A Reception will be held at the St. Juliana Family Center at Most Precious Blood Catholic Church, 3502 Saratoga Blvd, after the burial services.