Enrique Rick Saenz, 71, of Cuero passed away Thursday, July 2, 2026. He was born November 29, 1954 in Cuero to the late Guadalupe Munoz and Eusebio Saenz Sr. He married his high school sweetheart and the love of his life, Shirley Fox on October 26, 1974 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church. They shared forty-one years together before her passing in 2015. He worked as an offshore engineer for over twenty-five years for Transco/Williams Field Services.

Ricky was a diehard Houston Astros fan, he watched every game, often sharing the experience in a group chat with family and friends commentating about plays and celebrating the victories. When the Astros weren't playing, he could be found at the gas station down the street scratching his lotto tickets. He also loved playing poker and looked forward to hosting weekly poker nights at his house.

In his younger years, Ricky was a standout member of the legendary 1970's Cuero Gobbler football team, earning the title of All-State football player. His contributions were a source of immense pride for him and the entire community. He was also quite the pool shark, his moments around the pool table with his friends and family were cherished times for him and everyone who played alongside him.

His greatest joy in life, without a doubt, was his grandchildren. They were truly the light of his life, and he treasured every moment he spent with them. He absolutely loved watching them grow and excel, whether it was cheering them on from the sidelines at their sporting events, celebrating their academic achievements, or simply enjoying their company.

He is survived by his daughter, Jenni Pinson (Richard) of Artesia, NM; his son, Karl Saenz (Jill) of Cuero; sisters, Dora Saenz Lopez, Ernestine Saenz Arroyo (Gregory Sr.) both of Cuero and Eloisa Saenz Nieto of Moulton; brother, Robert Saenz of San Antonio (formerly of Cuero) and his grandchildren, Kerstyn, Kylie and Kloey Saenz all of Cuero and Alexa and Nolan Pinson of Artesia, NM.

He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Kristi Dawn Saenz; wife, Shirley Fox Saenz; sister, Elisa Saenz Torres; brothers, Eusebio Saenz Jr. and Baldemar Saenz.

Pallbearers include Don Arroyo, Edward Nieto, Richard Nieto, Brandon Orosco, Trent Orosco, Baldemar Saenz Jr., Danny Saenz and Randy Saenz.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, July 7, 2026, 5:00 - 7:00 PM at Freund Funeral Home with a rosary to begin at 6:30 PM. Funeral Mass will be held Wednesday, July 8, 2026, 10:00 AM at St. Michael's Catholic Church with Father Michael Odartey-Lamptey officiating. Interment will follow at Hillside Cemetery.

A special and heartfelt thank you goes to the staff at Cuero Nursing and Rehabilitation for the compassionate care they provided over the last several months. They kept him spoiled with his ongoing coffee requests and treated him like family.

The family would also like to extend their deepest gratitude to Hospice of South Texas for their extraordinary care and gentle guidance they offered during his transition to be with the Lord. Their presence brought immense peace to both Ricky and his loved ones.

In lieu of flowers, Memorial Contributions may be made to Hospice of South Texas.

You may sign the guestbook or send condolences at www.freundfuneralhome.com.

Freund Funeral Home, 361.275.2343.