Armando Saenz

Armando Saenz passed away on October 23, 2025 in Austin, TX, two days shy of his 84th birthday.

Born on October 25, 1941 in Nordheim, TX, Armando grew up in Cuero, TX, the fourth child of Genoveva and Faustino Saenz. Mando attended Cuero High School, where he was known for his handsome smile and athleticism. He excelled as a Gobbler athlete, playing football, basketball, and track and field.

After graduating from high school in 1961, Armando enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps, serving in Southeast Asia during the early days of the Vietnam War. After completing his military service, Armando earned an Associate Degree from Palomar College in California and then joined the Los Angeles Police Department, working as an undercover officer. It was during this time that he met the love of his life, Linda Sue Pack. After they married, Linda and Armando moved back to Texas in 1970 to start their family.

Armando’s career in the real estate and oil services industries took the family to cities along the Gulf Coast, including Corpus Christi, TX, Lafayette, LA, The Woodlands, TX, and Tampa, FL, before the couple finally made their long-time home in Houston, TX. In retirement, Armando enjoyed being involved with the senior groups at Lone Star College and with the Harris County Democratic Party, where he served as a Precinct Chair. In 2020, Armando and Linda moved to Austin to be closer to family.

Armando will be remembered for his kindness, eternal optimism, and quiet strength. He was a true believer in the American Dream and thought that education was the key to achieving it. He passed these values down to his children who ended up pursuing careers in education and law. He spoke of possibilities and potential with his signature phrase: “You gotta shoot to win!”

Armando loved to laugh - particularly at himself. He never liked the cold (always wearing his coat no matter the season and always carrying an extra pair of socks to pass out as a gift in case he thought you might be cold) but loved eating ice cream and finding reasons for you to join him in a bowl. He hated vegetables (particularly fresh ones) and loved cookies (except ones with raisins since they reminded him of vegetables). His laugh was infectious and often brought him and others to tears when something struck him as funny—like the bumper sticker that read: “I may be slow, but I’m ahead of you!”

We’ll miss all of these things about Armando but most of all we’ll miss his hugs—big, warm, safe, and full of love.

Armando is survived by his son, Paul Brandon Saenz (Alexandra), daughter, Andrea Saenz (David Wilhelm), and grandchildren, Joseph Archer Saenz, Carmen Linda Saenz, Robert Prentice Saenz, and Ramona Saenz-Wilhelm. Armando also leaves behind his brother, Faustino “Lefty” Saenz (Delia), his sister, Mary Saenz Torres (Robert), and many cherished nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Linda Pack Saenz, and his siblings, Rogelio Saenz and Dahlia Saenz Navarro. We would like to give a special thanks to the caregivers at Avalon Memory Care for their kindness and compassion during Armando’s final years. A private family gathering will be held to honor Armando’s life.

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