Cecilio Puentes

Cecilio ‘Cecil’ Donaciano Puentes, 75, of Lubbock was called back to the Lord on October 9, 2024. A viewing will be held on October 15th from 3PM to 9PM at Guajardo’s Funeral Chapels, located at 407 N. University. The Funeral Service will be held at St. Joseph’s Church on October 16th at 10AM. Pallbearers include Daniel Jones, Gabriel Puentes, Jerry Contreras, Dylan Puentes, Cesar Perez,  and Leroy Guerrero. Cecil was born on September 6, 1949 in Anton, Tx to Santiago E. Puentes and Martina Grine. He was a brother to Jack, Lupe, Janie, Felisha, and Jimmy. Cecil began playing in band and fell in love with music. He was a talented saxophone player in the Lubbock High School Band and graduated as a proud Westerner in 1968. Cecil was even an original member of Los Premiers, who were inducted into the West Texas Walk of Fame in 1997. Cecil married the love of his life Maria ‘Mary’ Puentes in February of 1969, and they went on to have 4 children together. A gifted conversationalist with a welcoming and kind spirit, Cecil excelled at customer service. With a strong work ethic, he held loss prevention and managerial positions at various stores across Lubbock over the years, including Furr’s Grocery Store, Lowe’s Grocery Store, and Ross among others. At home, Cecil could always be seen with a smile, loved to laugh, and enjoyed dancing to Little Joe as he cooked in the kitchen. Clint Eastwood and John Wayne played on the television often, as he loved classic western movies. After retirement, Cecil enjoyed yardwork, rediscovering music on YouTube, and catching up with family. Cecil is survived by his wife Mary, their daughter Melissa A. Puentes, sons Gabriel Puentes, Michael J. Puentes, Cecilio ‘CJ’ (Melissa) Puentes Jr., grandchildren Elizabeth ‘Tracy’ (Jerry) Abbott , Andrew ‘Neil’ Smith Jr., Gage M. Puentes, Brieana M. Puentes, Madison E. Puentes, Dylan B. Puentes, Haley Campbell (Herroll Lee) and great grandchildren Aleah E. Bee, Bryce W. Ricker, Lakelynn Mae Campbell, Addalyn Grace Campbell and Marceline M. Puentes. Cecilio Puentes left this earth a better place than when he found it, and it is the family’s hope everyone will do the same. Cecil’s memory is honored every time we appreciate a strong cup of coffee, delicious food, great music, and good friends.