Pete O. Gutierrez

In Loving Memory of Pete O. Gutierrez, Sr. June 27, 1935 – November 11, 2025

Pete (Pedro) O. Gutierrez, Sr., 90, of Waco, Texas, went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.

Born on June 27, 1935, in Waco, he was the son of the late Rev. Guadalupe and Tomasita (Ortega) Gutierrez. In 1954, Pete married the love of his life, Alifonsa Bustamante—the most beautiful girl he ever saw. Last year, they celebrated 70 wonderful years of marriage—a lifetime filled with love, laughter, sacrifice, and devotion. The story of how they met was one he loved to tell, and one we loved to hear. He would smile as he recalled seeing her walking down the street with her friends one day—and the rest, as he’d say, was history.

Pete often reminisced about his younger days growing up on the south side of Waco, walking to school until one day he decided he’d had enough and went to work instead. He worked hard his entire life, holding jobs at Martin Linen, Pepsi Cola, Bird Kultgen, Alamo Steel, and Baylor University. Many will remember him from the Baylor games, working the gates with his unmistakable smile and quick wit. In recent years, he could be found greeting visitors as a parking attendant at First Baptist Church, helping those visiting the Silos of Magnolia on Webster Street. He’d laugh and say, “I don’t really see anything interesting about it,” but he loved being there and chatting with people. A gifted mechanic, Pete had a lifelong passion for engines and built some of the fastest cars in Waco. Friends and neighbors would rev their engines as they drove by his house, knowing he’d be listening with pride. He was one of the most trusted and sought-after local mechanics—relied upon by friends, family, and local businesses alike. He didn’t just fix cars; he built friendships and memories with every turn of the wrench.

Pete was a simple man who gave much and asked for very little. If you knew him, you knew him—his humor, his honesty, his stubborn streak, and his heart of gold. In his final days, he told his family, “I’m tired, and I’m ready to go see my wife and be with my Lord.” He would then begin singing one of his favorite hymns, “It Is No Secret (What God Can Do),” lifting his hands toward heaven. Pete’s faith in Jesus Christ guided every part of his life. He was a longtime member of Bible Way Church and also attended Antioch Waco and Harvest Time, where he built lasting friendships and shared his faith openly. His selfless devotion to God and family left a legacy that will continue through everyone he touched.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Alifonsa Bustamante Gutierrez; his parents; his siblings—Mary Resendez, Moses Gutierrez, Vicky Resendez, Uvaldo Gutierrez, Tommie Rodriguez, and Lucy Garcia; and his granddaughter, Lori Zarate.

He is survived by his children: Pete Gutierrez Jr. of Waco; Richard Gutierrez Sr. and wife, Angela, of Hewitt; Christopher Gutierrez and wife, Shea, of Abbott; Rosie Zarate and husband, Jose, of Hillsboro; Barbara Gutierrez of Waco; and Theresa Ostrom and husband, Ronald, of China Spring. Grandchildren: Joey Zarate, Nikki Rhea (Alan), Ruben Chavez Jr. (Melissa), Richard Gutierrez Jr., Derrick Chavez, Roman Carreon (Maria), Arthur Maldonado (Cynthia), Andre Santiago, Brittany Poole (Jordan), Regan Henry (Blake), Ryan Maldonado, Fallyn Kolar (Aaron), Michelle Senter (Clark), and Trenton Gutierrez (Kayla); 31 great-grandchildren (with two more on the way); and two great-great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister, Marcie Lopez of Waco; brother, Frank Gutierrez of Waco; and sister-in-law, Lupita Alexander of Seton and Wanda Bustamante of Waco.

Pallbearers: Pete Gutierrez Jr., Richard Gutierrez Sr., Christopher Gutierrez, Richard Gutierrez Jr., Roman Carreon, Trenton Gutierrez, Robert Flores, and Izayah Flores.

Services: A visitation and celebration of Pete’s life will be held on Monday, November 17, from 6–8 p.m. at Pecan Grove Funeral Home. A graveside service will take place on Tuesday, November 18, at 10 a.m. at Oakwood Cemetery.

The family wishes to express their deepest gratitude to Providence Hospital and Providence Community Hospice for the compassionate care shown to our father in his final weeks.

Pete lived his life with faith, love, and hard work—and though our hearts ache, we find comfort knowing he’s home again, reunited with Mom, and resting in God’s eternal peace.