Mercedes A. (Art) DeLaCruz September 24, 1932 - January 24, 2015

Mercedes A. (Art) DeLaCruz, 82, of Groves, Texas passed away on Saturday, January 24, 2015 at his home surrounded by his loving family. He was born on September 24, 1932 to Maximina Estrada DeLaCruz and Catarino DeLaCruz in Port Arthur, Texas. He was a lifelong resident of the area. Art served in the U. S. Army during the Korean Conflict. He retired from Texaco as a carpenter after 42 years of service. He was a longtime active member of Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, where he served as an usher, past president of the Senior Club. Art was a member of the Knights of Columbus-Our Lady of Guadalupe Council. He served as past president of the American Latino Club. Art loved all sports and coached Little League baseball for many years. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Pete DeLaCruz, his sister, Micaela Martinez, Basilia Lopez, Simona Barbosa, Geneva Ramirez and Lucy Reyna and his son, Arthur "Papa" DeLaCruz. He is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Armandina "Dina" DeLaCruz of Groves, Texas, his daughter, Dodie Palombo and husband, Kevin of Groves, Texas, his grandson, Shea Palombo of Groves, Texas, his sisters, Ofelia Galvan of Groves, Texas and Minerva Ortiz of Port Arthur, Texas and his brother, Benjamin DeLaCruz of Nederland, Texas along with numerous nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews. Visitation will be on Tuesday, January 27, 2015 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM with a rosary to be prayed at 6:00 PM at Clayton Thompson Funeral Home in Groves. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 2:00 PM Wednesday, January 28, 2015 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church with Rev. T. R. Blanco, serving as celebrant. Burial with military funeral honors will follow in Memory Gardens. The family would like to give a special thanks to Gentiva Hospice for all their care and compassion offered to them.