Gregorio Balderas

Gregorio Gutierrez Balderas Sr., 73, of North Zulch, formerly of Manor, was called home to his eternal rest, on March 28, 2022, while visiting family in Rio Laja, Guanajuato, Mexico. Gregorio was born in Los Cuartos Santa Anna, Guanajuato, Mexico on December 10, 1948, to Jacinto and Macaria Gutierrez Balderas. At a young age, he traveled to Texas and began making a life as a ranch hand and ultimately settled in as ranch foreman at the Melber Ranch in Manor, TX, where he worked for over 40 years.  Gregorio had no formal education but was able to master skills related to ranch management, cattle production, grooming, and showmanship.  He was admired for his hard work and dedication, as well as his self-taught expertise of cattle production, especially livestock show steers and heifers.  He will always be remembered for how he would go above and beyond to support 4-H/FFA families that purchased the Melber Ranch cattle.

Gregorio was preceded by his two sons, Gregorio “Gregg” Balderas Jr. and Jimmy “Jim” Galvan Sr., and both of his parents. He leaves to cherish his memory, his loving wife, partner, and best friend of 48 years, Mary; and his two remaining children, Antonio “Tony” Galvan and daughter, Alice and husband David Kirk; 12 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren; his family in Mexico; and dear friends throughout the ranching and livestock show communities around Texas.

Gregorio was passionate about cattle and was most proud of raising his children in the 4-H/FFA programs and all the youth he supported who have gone on to colleges and trade schools thru their 4-H/FFA earnings. To help honor Gregorio, the family asks you consider donating to the Gregorio G. Balderas Sr. Scholarship Fund. Checks should be made to:

Brazos County Adult Leaders

In Memory of Gregorio G. Balderas Sr. Scholarship

C/O Brazos County Extension Office

4153 County Park Ct.,Bryan, Texas 77802

Family and friends will gather at Elgin Funeral Home for Visitation, Tuesday, April 5th from 6:00PM until 8:00PM with a Recitation of the Holy Rosary at 7:00PM.  A Celebration of Christian Funeral Mass will be conducted at St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church of Taylor, on Wednesday, April 6th at 2:30 PM with Fr. Keith Koehl presiding.  Christian Burial will follow at St. Mary’s Catholic Church Cemetery of Taylor.  Honoring with grace as Pallbearers are Tony Galvan, David Kirk, Michael Kirk, Jimmy Galvan Jr., Ricky Schulze, Juan Rodriguez, Mario De La Rosa, and Wayne Lindgren.