Jose Juan " Tata" Caballero, 76, passed away Sunday, January 1, 2012, with his family by his side and began the New Year with God. Jose Juan was born January 12, 1935, in Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico, and was a resident of Laredo, Texas, for most of his life. He then married the love of his life his wife of 54 years, Lucia Guerrero Caballero. In the years that followed they gave birth to a baby girl, their daughter, Alejandra. Jose Juan loved life and looked forward to the joys of each new day. His love and knowledge for automobiles led him to his employment at Texaco, a Laredo Volkswagen dealership, and eventually as co-owner of his own auto parts store, Eurotex, in which he managed for 35 years. Jose Juan was a generous and caring man who held the highest regard for family. Immediate or extended, near or far, he kept in touch with all of his loved ones. Those who knew him best were fortunate to hear the many inspirational anecdotes or sage advice that he enjoyed sharing. Always willing to help anyone in need, he lived his life thinking of others first, and he passionately encouraged others to never give up and strive for the best. He was dedicated to God and his family, and his faith shined brightly every day. He was preceded in death by his mother, Maria Caballero; his sister, Mercedes Caballero; his half-sister. Maria Luisa Seradell; his half-brother, Jacinto Vega. He is survived by his devoted wife, Lucia G. Caballero; his adoring daughter, Alejandra Caballero Macias; caring son-in-law, Cayetano Macias; his two grandchildren who were his pride and joy: Ana Lilia Macias of San Antonio, and Romeo Ramon (Michelle Johanna) Macias; and numerous other relatives and friends. The Caballero and Macias families would like to give special thanks to Dr. Jose Roel Maldonado and all of the staff at Laredo Medical Center and Laredo Specialty Hospital for their committed care and unrelenting support. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, January 3, 2012 from 4 to 9 p.m. and a Vigil of the Deceased will be held at 7 p.m. in the Hernandez-Lopez and Sons Northside Chapels, 800 Boston St. at San Bernardo Ave. Funeral services will begin at 8 a.m. on Wednesday, January 4, 2012 departing from the funeral home chapel. Holy Mass will be celebrated at 8:30 a.m. at San Luis Rey Catholic Church. Committal services and interment will then follow in the Calvary Catholic Cemetery. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------