Long-time AGIF,TX Member, Humberto Aguirre, Del Rio Texas, Remembered

American GI Forum of Texas Inc, Report: DEL RIO, Texas – Texas Forum member Humberto Aguirre, 86, of Del Rio, peacefully passed away on September 7, 2018. He now joins his Heavenly Father and wife of 61 years whom he deeply missed, Hilda Valdez Aguirre.

Humberto was a long-time American GI Forum member of the Del Rio, Texas Fermin Calderon Chapter and was active for many years. He served the AGIF in several leadership capacities, including serving as local, Region and State Commander. He also serve on the American GI Forum National Veterans Outreach Program, (NVOP) as a board member. He was one of the original founders of the Del Rio Chapter of the American GI Forum.

He was active in local community activities and helped fund many programs and projects including the local American GI Forum Park and the American GI Forum Clubhouse. He also served as chairman for several State Conferences and a National Mid-year Conference. He also served on the Military Affairs Association at LAFB and the Board of Directors of the Laughlin Heritage Foundation Museum. 

Humberto had a great sense of patriotism for his country and local community. He was a defender of human rights, a fighter of the less fortunate, and a political advocate for equality. He enjoyed sports and playing golf, spending time with family, and chatting up anyone who would listen.

At federal and state levels, Humberto was instrumental in developing and assisting in funding education, economic, and recreation programs through his career with the Office of Economic Opportunity, Texas Education Agency, and the Governor's Office of Migrant Affairs. As an educator for many years, he served as Vice President of St. Edward's University in Austin, TX as well as various positions for U.S. Senator John Tower and Texas Governor Preston Smith. However, his greatest professional passion was providing assistance through these offices to the community where he was raised and that he loved so dearly.

San Felipe High School, where he was a member of the State Regional Champion Football Team of 1948 and named by the district as "All Iron Man" was dear to Humberto's heart. He enjoyed reminiscing with friends about the good 'ole days. He was also an active member of the First United Methodist Church and sang in the church choir. After his retirement he would enjoy bringing smiles to people's faces by delivering flowers for the family owned business, As Always Simply Beautiful.

His pride and joy, of which he boasted at any opportunity given, were his grandchildren and great grandchildren. To the amazement of all those who knew otherwise, he would jokingly say that they looked just like him.

Humberto is survived by his beloved children, Belinda Aguirre, Landa Aguirre, Lori Tackett , Waldo Aguirre, and son-in-law Jeff Tackett; grandchildren, Summerlynn Fitzpatrick (Sean Michael), Brittney Tackett, and great grandchildren Sean Riley Fitzpatrick, James Michael Fitzpatrick, and Sophia Grace Fitzpatrick; sisters-in-law Diana Valdes and Esperanza (Nena) Aguirre; numerous nieces and nephews.

Full Military honors were rendered by the American Legion Post #595 Honor Guards and the United Sates Air Force at his funeral. 

Our condolences to his family. Mr. Humberto Aguirre will be missed.