Guadalupe De La Cruz

Guadalupe De La Cruz, 78, of Porterville, California, went home to Glory to be with Jesus on August 30, 2024. He was predeceased by his parents, Magdalena and Francisco De La Cruz. He is survived by his wife Esperanza, son Marcus [Melina] De La Cruz, daughter Brenda [Tony] Hendley, and five grandchildren Olivia, Ethan, and Sophia De La Cruz and Seth and Judah Hendley.

Guadalupe (Lupe) was born in Brownsville, Texas. Lupe is the eldest of nine children. He is big brother (and father-like figure) to and survived by his siblings: Maria Magdalena [Blas] De La Cruz-Villa, Efrain [Flora] De La Cruz, Gloria [Frank] De La Cruz-Pulido, Elvia [Daniel] De La Cruz-Sanchez, David [Beth] De La Cruz, Frank De La Cruz, Rogelio De La Cruz, and Rosie De La Cruz.

After graduating from high school, Lupe joined the United States Marine Corps serving our country during the Vietnam war. Upon completing his service, he went on to study psychology and social work at Fresno State University. After graduating with a Master's degree in Social Work, he began his career at Porterville Developmental Center as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Before retiring he finished his career working at Delano State Prison as a LCSW, which he loved because he was able to pray and lead inmates to the Lord. He always encouraged his family and others to be their best. It didn't matter who you were or what job position one held, from the janitor to the director, he knew their names. He was a big proponent of getting an education and bettering one's life.

Guadalupe was an amazing husband to his beloved wife, whom he lovingly called "Hopie." They were together for 55 years and went on to have two children, Marcus and Brenda. He was an amazing father and Grandpa (Papa) who made it a point to be there for his children and grandchildren. There wasn't anything he wouldn't do for his family. He was a big fan of his grandchildren and enjoyed cheering his family on from the church pews, the sidelines, and the poolside.

Guadalupe's passions and loves were for his family, Jesus, the local church, Fresno State football and weightlifting. He was a regular at the gym and very well known there. He loved to socialize and train others at the gym on how to have good form and lift properly. Lupe was also the church's first head usher. He was the first one there and the last one to leave. He enjoyed helping the young men tie their ties and instructed them to stay on their toes!

Guadalupe was well known for his generosity, sense of humor, big smile, wisdom and BIG muscles! He will be greatly missed here on earth but we are extremely grateful he will continue to cheer us on from the grandstands of Heaven.

We love you Papa and we'll see you on the other side.

A Visitation to be held at Myers Chapel in Porterville, California on Friday, September 6, 2024 from 10:00 AM-10:30 AM. A Funeral Service to be held at Myers Chapel in Porterville, California on Friday, September 6, 2024 at 11:00 AM. Interment to follow at Hillcrest Memorial Park in Porterville, California.

Arrangements are being handled by Myers Funeral Service & Crematory, 248 N. "E" Street, Porterville, California. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.myersfuneral.com.