Xavier Cueva, a resident of Martindale, Texas, died after a brief illness on June 25, 2018. Xavier is survived by his father, Heliodoro V. Cueva, Sr.; Stepmother, Margarita Cueva; his brothers and sisters, Heliodoro Cueva Jr. (Adell Fleming); Partrick Cueva Sr.; Cynthia Santiago (Greg); Kevin Cueva (Margaret A. Tamez) and Elizabeth Akers (Matthew). Xavier has several nieces and nephews: Valerie Ann Cueva; Patrick Cueva Jr.; Marcus Cueva; Nikki Cueva; Natalia Cueva; Isabella Santiago; Chloe Cueva; Benjamin Akers; Noah Akers; Olivia Akers; Matthew Mendoza; Cassilda Alvarez; and Talyn Santiago. He was preceded in death by his mother, Natalia Espinoza Cueva.
He was born on September 23, 1973, in Robstown, Texas, where he grew up, involved in the local community, specifically St. Anthony’s parish as an altar boy and boy scout. He attended St. Anthony’s and St. John’s Catholic Schools and graduated from Robstown High School. He participated in sports, including the RHS baseball organization. He attended Del Mar College in Corpus Christi before moving to Austin. He lived for many years in Austin, Texas, before buying his home in Martindale, where he could indulge his love of animals. He worked as a tax examiner for the IRS at the time of his death.
In his lifetime, Xavier learned many things including hunting, fishing, mechanics, plumbing, carpentry, welding and many specialized skills. He had a heart of gold and was known to drop everything to come to the rescue of friends, family, and friends of friends who called on him when they were stranded in a broken-down car. Sometimes these calls were nearby, but he was also known to drive hundreds of miles to help. In addition to being an incredible auto mechanic, he could create and build almost anything. Xavier knew how to have fun. He went on cruises with his cruising family and he traveled the world with both friends and family. He was known as “Clutch” to his beloved GI Joe Costume group, The Fightin' 788th, with whom he attended Comic-Cons and charity events.
