JIMMY CLOSNER

Jimmy Closner, 88, a lifetime resident of Mercedes passed away on Saturday, Oct. 6, 2007, at his residence.

He was born May 1, 1919 to Emiliano and Cipriana Jimenez Closner in Mercedes, Texas. Mr. Closner served as the Mercedes Public Works Director for several years. In 1976 he founded and owned Jimmy Closner & Sons Construction Company; he also received the Mercedes Lifetime Achievement Award in 2006 from the Mercedes Chamber of Commerce, and was active in the Mercedes community all his life.

He is survived by his loving family, two sons, Robert Closner of South Padre Island, Texas and David (Elena) Closner of Mercedes, Texas; two daughters, Rosemary (Tommy) De Leon of Mercedes, Texas and Janny (David) Lopez of Mercedes, Texas; 11 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren; one sister, Mary Ella (Rey) Cornejo of Mercedes, Texas; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Cora Longoria Closner; parents, Emiliano and Cipriana Closner; and three sisters, Olivia Moreno, Viola Garcia and Hope Rutledge.

Visitation will take place from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. with a holy rosary to be recited at 7 p.m. today, Monday, Oct. 8, 2007, at Rudy Garza Chapel of Peace in Mercedes.

Funeral procession will depart the funeral home at 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 9, for a 10 a.m. funeral Mass at Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church in Mercedes. Deacon Roberto Cantu will be officiating the Mass. Interment will follow at Highland Memorial Park Cemetery in Weslaco.

Pallbearers will be, James Robert Closner, Michael Closner, Bobby Closner Jr., Steven Closner, David Closner Jr., and Marcos de Leon.

Honorary pallbearers will be Jaime Moreno, Oscar Moreno and Robert Garcia.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Rudy Garza Funeral Home, 236 S. Ohio St., Mercedes, Texas (956) 425-8200.