Arturo Oscar Polanco Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Arturo Oscar Polanco, 69, presented himself to Our God accompanied by Our Lord’s Son, Jesus Christ on Monday, March 15, in San Antonio, Texas. Oscar, as he was known by many, passed away in peace in the company of his loving husband of 35 years, Michael L. Gaines, family and friends. Oscar was a parishioner of Saint Brigid Catholic Church, San Antonio, Texas and attended Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Del Rio, Texas. Oscar was born on July 14, 1951 in San Angelo, Texas to Manuel R. Polanco and Basilisa Serrano Polanco. He was grandson to Santa Maria and Maria Ramos Polanco and Precelino and Teodora Flores Serrano. He attended schools in Del Rio, Texas, where he graduated from San Felipe High School in 1969. As a high school student, Oscar excelled in his studies and participated in the marching band all four years of high school. After graduating from his beloved San Felipe High School, Oscar attended Sul Ross State University, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Science in 1973 with a certification in Education from the State of Texas. Oscar was an educator for the San Felipe Del Rio Consolidated Independent School District then moved to Austin, Texas as a teacher then later moved permanently to San Antonio, Texas and ultimately continued teaching until he retired in 2016 from Mary Hull Elementary, North Side Independent School District. During his professional career as an educator Oscar emphasized in elementary education and bilingual programs throughout his entire tenure. Oscar lead the parental involvement program at Mary Hull Elementary and was selected as “Teacher of The Year”. During his young life and growing up in West Texas on the border of Mexico and Texas, his parents instilled in him the values of the Catholic faith, family, hard work, education, and service. Oscar was an alter server during his young life at Our Lady of Guadalupe church and a Lifeguard with the City of Del Rio at Moore Park Pool as were his sibling brothers. Oscar Polanco was passionately committed to all the needs of his students and community professionally. As a hobby he was an avid member of various folkloric dance companies as his passion for his Hispanic and Latin heritage was displayed at community and private events. Oscar was also known for his performances throughout the State of Texas in his infamous “Charro” decor. After retirement, Oscar continued to be active and often substituted and taught in San Antonio, Texas. He loved his residential community of Lincoln Green – Chattanooga Drive. Oscar dedicated many years of service as a board member and director for the San Felipe High School Class of 1969 and the San Felipe Exes Organization in Del Rio, Texas and was selected as “El Rey” as he organized to uphold the highest standards, reunions, parades, events and campaigned for various charitable events and high school scholarships up until his recent death and had many plans in motion to continue that he earmarked that would be part of his legacy. Oscar is preceded in death by his parents Manuel R. Polanco and Basilisa Polanco. His oldest brother Manuel Polanco, Jr. He is survived by Lila Polanco (paternal aunt), Sebastian Serrano (maternal uncle). Spouse, Michael Gaines and siblings include: Roberto Lee Polanco (Elidia), Orlando Polanco (Leticia), Biatris “Susie” Polanco Vela and sister-in-law Linda Polanco. Nephews and Nieces: Gilbert Ray Polanco, Jo Elda Polanco, Julie Ann Polanco-Shupe, Gerald Lee Polanco, Roberto Polanco, Jr., David Orlando Polanco and Vanessa Vela. Gentlemen in honor as pallbearers: Gilbert Ray Polanco, Roberto Vela, Jr., Roberto Polanco, Jr., David Orlando Polanco, Luis Serrano and Larry Serrano. May He Rest In Peace. Funeral arrangements are under care and direction of G.W. Cox Memorial Funeral Home, 114 Fletcher Drive, Del Rio, Texas. For more information you may contact us at (830)775-2000 or www.gwcoxmemorialfuneralhome.com

Arturo Oscar Polanco

July 14, 1951 - March 15, 2021