Jesus "Chuy" Maldonado

Weslaco: Jesus Maldonado, 75, passed away on Tuesday, December 27th, 2022. Jesus, affectionately known as Chuy, was born on December 22nd, 1947, to Manuel and Elvia (Jimenez) Maldonado in Weslaco, Texas.

Chuy spent his entire life in Weslaco. He met his future wife, Ernestina “Ernie” Guerra, at Mary Hoge Middle School. Chuy played football for the Weslaco Panthers, but he was more of a scholar than an athlete. As a result, he was awarded a scholarship to Pan American University. Chuy earned his Bachelor of Science degree, with a minor in Spanish, in 1970, and later earned a Master’s Degree from Pan American University.

Chuy went to work as a chemist for the USDA and during his tenure, Chuy became an expert in honey and honeybees. He was also on the committee that named the infamous 1015 onion. Chuy retired after forty-four years of service and was very proud of the work he had accomplished.

Chuy loved to travel and was fortunate to be able to travel with the USDA. In addition, the Maldonado family shared many priceless memories as they vacationed every summer and visited most of the US, Mexico, and Canada.

Since middle school, Chuy treated Ernie like a queen and was determined to make sure all of her dreams came true. He was an even better father of three beautiful daughters. He never forgot a birthday or Valentine’s Day, hand-delivering roses to all his girls (wife and three daughters).

Unsurprisingly, he was over the moon when the grandchildren came along. The roses tradition continued for his granddaughters. Chuy loved being a grandpa, and spending time with his grandchildren soon became his favorite pastime. Grandpa was at every sporting event and award, wearing a confident smile, full of pride and joy for what he and Ernie had accomplished.


Chuy enjoyed gardening and spent countless hours working in the yard or cleaning the pool. The day started with morning coffee in his Dallas Cowboys cup. Most evenings ended with Chuy sitting on the tailgate of his beloved Ford truck just watching the traffic.

Chuy was a devout Catholic. He was raised and received his sacraments at St. Joan of Arc, and later, he and Ernie were married there. Chuy was a lifelong parishioner, faithfully attending mass with his wife and daughters.

Chuy could lighten the mood in any situation with the best “dad” jokes. He was giving, caring, selfless, loving and fun.

Chuy is preceded in death by his parents, Manuel and Elvia Maldonado, and his sister, who just passed away a month ago, Marta Hernandez.

Chuy is survived by his loving wife, Ernestina “Ernie” Maldonado, daughters, Yvette Guzman (Rene), Yvonne Cáceres (Juan), Daisy Maldonado; grandchildren, Marcus Cáceres, Jiovana Cáceres, Jaisy Cáceres, Bryan Guzman (Erika), Brandon Guzman (Jordan), Brooks Guzman, and Bryssa Guzman, great-grandchildren, Ella and Logan Guzman, siblings, Gloria Robledo (Joe+), Maria Teodoro Maldonado Villanueva, Guadalupe Maldonado (Maria del Carmen), Nilda Nelly Maldanado Villanueva, Nicolas Flores Ruiz, brother in law, Octavio Hernandez, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be Monday, January 2nd, 2023, 1-9 pm, and Tuesday, January 3rd, 2023, 10 am-9 pm, with a rosary at 7 pm both evenings. Father Francisco Solis will celebrate Mass on Wednesday, January 4th, 2023, 10am, at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church in Weslaco, followed by burial at Highland Memorial Park.