Edward Gutierrez Sr.

Edward Gutierrez, Sr., 96, passed away on January 8, 2018 in his home in Mesquite, NV. He was born on October 13, 1921 in Santa Rita, New Mexico to Emelio Gutierrez and Heriberta Santibañez. Edward married Josephine Buchanan, his highschool sweet-heart, in Los Angeles, CA on July 28, 1940.

Edward was best known for his love of God, family, great personality, and  skill on the saxophone, and the beautiful music he played. He began playing in high school and would share his talent often. He played for the Salvation Army during Christmas time at Smith’s grocery, Highland Manor of Mesquite, the Veteran’s Center, the Festival of Trees, and the “One Hero at a Time” event at the Casa Blanca to celebrate Veterans, among many other occasions. After Eddie and Josie were married, Eddie was working at a gas station when pearl Harbor was attacked. He went to work at the Los Angeles Post Office in 1943 and sent his draft notice in 1944. He had a co-worker who was a retired chief petty officer who wrote a letter to the recruitment office and Ed was drafted into the Navy, and because he worked for the Post Office, he was sent to work at the Fleet Post Office in San Francisco, CA. When they discovered he could read and play music he was assigned to the Fleet Post Office Orchestra. He served from September 1944 to April 1946. He was awarded the American Area Victory Medal. After Edward left the service, he began working for the USPS again until he retired. In 2007, he moved from Southern California to Mesquite, NV. He was a member of the American Legion, and he was a member of the Knights of Columbus, 4th Degree. He was a devout Catholic and attended La Virgin de Guadalupe Catholic Church in Mesquite, NV. Edward was known to be a gentle man, an inspiration, and the “best father in the world”.

Edward is survived by his daughter, Diane Mora of Mesquite, NV, his grandchildren; Edward Newman, David (Melida)Newman, Michael (Karla) Newman, and Christopher Mora, all of Mesquite, NV, his great-grandchildren; David, Christy, Mikey, R.J., Katy, Gabby, Shawnna, and Brandie, twelve great-great-grandchildren, and four great-great-great-grandchildren, his brother, Ralph, and sister, Cora, and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his wife; Josephine Gutierrez, his daughter; Barbara Jo Gutierrez, his son; Edward Gutierrez Jr., his grandson; James Newman, his great-granddaughter; Erica Newman, his parents, and two of his brothers.

Funeral Services will be held for Edward at a later date in Long Beach, CA.  There will be a memorial service in Mesquite, NV at a later date. The family invites you to leave a message or memory in their Guest Book.

In loving memory of Edward Gutierrez, Jr., we pay tribute to the son of Edward Sr. and Josephine Gutierrez, who passed away on May 11, 2017 in Mesquite, NV. Edward Jr. was born on October 25, 1948 in Huntington Park, CA to a loving family. He shared a passion for music with his father, and they would play together often. Edward moved to Mesquite, NV in 2016 to be closer to his family. He is survived by his sister, Diane Mora, and his several nephews; Edward Newman, David (Melida) Newman, Michael (Karla) Newman, and Christopher Mora. He is now joined in heaven with his parents; Edward Sr. and Josie Gutierrez, his sister; Barbara Jo Gutierrez, his nephew; James Newman, and his great niece; Erica Newman.