Patrick D. Vasquez

Patrick David Vasquez of Corpus Christi, Texas, passed away on June 17, 2026, at the age of 77, with his daughter and son-in-law, Melissa Vasquez Wheeless and Maj. William Scott Wheeless (Ret.) by his side.

He was born in Corpus Christi, Texas, on September 16, 1948, to Vicky Morales Perez. For several years, he and his oldest sister, Elynn, were raised by their grandparents, Max and Otila Rodriguez Morales. After his mother, Vicky, married Pedro C. Perez, Patrick and his sister joined their Perez siblings in 1955. Patrick was the second oldest of five children and was blessed with three sisters and one brother.

Patrick attended Prescott and Chula Vista Elementary Schools, Cunningham Junior High School, and Carroll High School, graduating with the Class of 1967. During his school years, he was active in choir and was a member of Carroll High School's bi-district championship basketball team. He was also a member of the Paricutin Social Boys Club from 1966-67. Following graduation, he attended Del Mar College before proudly joining the United States Navy in 1970.

Patrick had a deep love for the outdoors and especially enjoyed fishing. He found great joy in teaching others how to fish and sharing his knowledge with family and friends. His love of gardening began at the age of three while working alongside his grandfather, Max Morales Sr., and remained a lifelong passion. Throughout the years, he cultivated many beautiful gardens in Houston, Dallas, and Corpus Christi.

Patrick was a hardworking individual and was a printer by trade. He worked for the Houston Chronicle and the Dallas Times Herald. He later returned to Houston and purchased a tee shirt company, The House of T-Shirts, from his Uncle Israel Morales, and later changed the name to Galaxy Printing. While operating his small business he helped his Uncle Joe Morales with his Rosenberg newspaper, Las Noticias. He worked until his untimely death for J.K. Kalb Co.,Inc. in Corpus Christi, TX.

In his later years, Patrick developed a lucky streak while playing bingo and cherished the friendships and laughter that came with it. Above all else, he treasured spending time with his family. He loved traveling, making memories with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and was always willing to go wherever family gathered. His most memorable trips were traveling to visit his daughter and grandchildren wherever his son-in-law was stationed even living with them in South Korea for over one year.

Patrick believed that showing up for family was one of life's greatest responsibilities. He made it a priority to attend graduations, military ceremonies, weddings, recitals, veterans’ programs, sporting events, and other important milestones. He was a proud veteran of the Vietnam Conflict and showed his patriotism by attending the Veterans Day Parade at Mireles Elementary for Cameryn and Quinn Cibrian.

In fact, his final trip was to attend the graduation of his youngest grandchild, Addisen Wheeless. His presence, encouragement, and unwavering support meant the world to those he loved.

Patrick will be remembered for his kindness, wisdom, sense of humor, and unwavering devotion to his family. He leaves behind a legacy of love, hard work, and countless cherished memories that will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Pedro Perez Sr. and Vicky Morales Perez; his siblings, Jr. Vasquez and Edie Vasquez; and his great-grandchild, Treasure Wheeless Stone.

Left to cherish his memory are his children, Melissa Vasquez Wheeless (Maj. William Scott Wheeless (Ret.)) and Jessica Palmer; his grandchildren, Hannah Wheeless Stone (Aaron Stone), Payton Merx, William Andrew Wheeless, Addisen Wheeless, (PO2, U.S. Navy) Zachary Chapman, Korina Breckenridge, Lydia McCorkindale, and Joseph McCorkindale; his great-grandchildren, Everleigh Merx, Wyatt Stone, Adam Wheeless, Juniper DeVoy, Elijah Ziembo, and one great-grandchild on the way, along with many bonus grandchildren.

He is also survived by his siblings, Elynn Vasquez Arce (Jose Lionel "Red"), Gloria Perez Mondragon (Ronnie), Diana PerezQuintanilla, (Ret. Capt. USPHS) Pedro Perez Jr., DDS (Delma), Cande Vasquez (Mary Esther), and Johnny Vasquez. Patrick also leaves behind his nephews and nieces, (Retired Colonel) Andy Sanchez (Mindy), Tammy Quintanilla Cibrian (Eric), Justin Quintanillla, Jeffrey and Patrick Vasquez Arce, Jenna Perez Broadway (Kyle), Pete Perez (Joshua Boyd), Dayna Perez; great nieces and nephews Kate and Connor Sanchez, Cameryn and Quinn Cibrian and Julia Broadway who he cherished dearly; including countless cousins, aunts, uncles, and dear friends whom he loved deeply.

Patrick's Celebration of Life will be held on July 10, 2026, at Kelsey Memorial UMC, 1610 Comanche St., Corpus Christi, Texas. Visitation will begin at 11:30 a.m., followed by the service at 12:00 p.m.

A graveside service will follow at Coastal Bend State Veterans Cemetery, 9974 I-37, Corpus Christi, Texas 78410, at 1:00 p.m. A reception will be held after the burial in the church's educational building.

The service will also be streamed on the Kelsey Memorial UMC Facebook page.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Pastor Juan Osorio of Kelsey Memorial UMC for his spiritual guidance, prayers, and unwavering support during this difficult time.