Major (Ret.) Homero Z. Gallegos

MCALLEN - Major (Ret.) Homer Gallegos USAF passed away peacefully surrounded by his family in McAllen, Texas on May 21, 2026. Major Gallegos was born in McAllen, Texas on February 24, 1947 to Ismael and Petra Gallegos. One of six children, he was a proud graduate of McAllen High School and received dual bachelor’s degrees in History and Government, as well as a master’s degree, from Pan American University.

Homer married the love of his life, Cynthia R. Gallegos, in 1986. He and Cynthia raised their beloved daughter Gabrielle in McAllen, and he later welcomed his son-in-law Albert Espino into his family with open arms. A devoted grandfather, Homer delighted in his grandchildren Nicolas and Carmina. He treasured the time he spent with them and savored every moment, turning lessons about life and faith into precious memories. Homer loved classic Western movies, the University of Texas Longhorns, and the Dallas Cowboys. He was a selfless and generous son, a wise older brother, a role model to his nieces and nephews, and a treasured, loyal friend.

Major Gallegos enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 1968 and served until 1972 with a tour of duty in South Vietnam (1971-72) at Tan Son Nhut AFB with Headquarters, 7 th Air Force. He was honorably discharged in 1972 as a Sergeant. He subsequently served in the U.S. Air Force Reserves for 30 years with the 433 rd Air Wing as an Operations Officer with the 26th Aerial Port Squadron in San Antonio, Texas. He ultimately retired as a Major. Dedicating his life to advocating for veterans, Homer was a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) at the McAllen Vet Center. He spent over two decades counseling his brothers- and sisters-in-arms. Throughout his career, he received the U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs National “Hands and Heart Award”, the University of Texas Pan American Library “Notable Valley Hispanic” Award, and numerous other honors. Former Hidalgo County Judge Jose Eloy Pulido declared June 19, 2001 as “Homer Gallegos Day.” He also received a proclamation for exceptional accomplishments from the Texas Senate; the Small Business Administration Advocate of the Year Award; and the Disabled American Veterans Distinguished Service Award. Major Gallegos served as Commander of VFW Post 8788 for over 20 years. He honorably served in his VFW Post’s Honor Guard, providing military honors to Rio Grande Valley veterans at their funerals. A skilled and principled leader, he was VFW District Commander from 1994 to 1996. He was a Past State Adjutant of the American G.I. Forum.

Homer’s family was one of the first families to worship at St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Parish in McAllen. He was an usher there for over thirty years, serving the Lord and his church community with honor and faith. Major Gallegos was preceded in death by his parents, Ismael and Petra Gallegos; his sisters Alma Hinojosa and Velma Cantu; and his brother Frank Gallegos. He is survived by his loving wife Cynthia, precious daughter Gabrielle G. Espino, son-in-law Albert Espino, and his cherished grandchildren Nicolas Liam Espino and Carmina Liana Espino. He is also survived by his brother Oscar (Mari) Gallegos; his sister Mary (✝Rod) Salinas; his sisters-in-law Cris (✝Jaime) Sandoval, Corina (David) Cardoza, Belinda Villarreal, Sandra (Rey) Guerra, and Corina (✝Bernardo “Tito”) Ramirez; and his brothers-in-law Enrique Hinojosa and Rolando Cantu. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

Major Gallegos proudly and honorably served his country and his community with distinction. He will be dearly missed. He will be remembered for his unwavering faith in God and country, and for his servant’s heart.

Visitation will be from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. with a 7 p.m. rosary, Thursday, May 28, 2026, at Legacy Chapels 4610 South Jackson Road in Edinburg. Funeral mass will be at 9 a.m. Friday, May 29, 2026, at St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church in McAllen. Interment will follow at Rio Grande Valley State Veterans Cemetery with full military honors. 

Funeral services are under the direction of Legacy Chapels in Edinburg.