William Henry Putegnat Iv

BROWNSVILLE, TX. – William Henry Putegnat IV, 77, of Brownsville, passed away Friday, February 4, 2022. He was born in Brownsville on August 21, 1944, to the late William and Laura (Youree) Putegnat. Billy was their first child and enjoyed an idyllic childhood in mid-century Brownsville with his five siblings and several cousins. He attended St. Joseph Academy and graduated from Brownsville High School in 1963, where he played football. After graduation he attended Texas A&I in Kingsville and later went to serve his country in Vietnam.

Billy joined the Navy and was in Southeast Asia from 1967 to 1969. During the Tet Offensive his squadron helped defend the Mekong Delta. Upon returning home from the service, he married Mary Dale Palousek in 1971. Together they raised their children: Serena, Tara, and William.

Billy started what would end up being a lifelong career in the laundry business working for his father and his Uncle Barry. Model Laundry was a true family business and he enjoyed working with his brothers and cousins. For several years his career at Model offered him the opportunity to work at the Albuquerque, San Antonio, Corpus Christi, and Brownsville plants. He later operated his own laundry with plants in Brownsville and Corpus Christi.

A passionate outdoorsman, he enjoyed hunting and fishing with his friends. Similarly, he appreciated history and liked learning about Brownsville’s founding families.

Surviving are his children; siblings, Michael Putegnat (Starr), Laurita Putegnat, Christopher Putegnat, Mary Kate Putegnat, and Deborah Kirk (Tom); and his beloved nieces and nephews.

Honored to serve as pallbearers are Trevor Franke, Oscar Garza, III, Guillermo Machado, Randall Mathers, Michael Norrell, Christopher Putegnat, Jr., Michael L. Putegnat, and Nico Schaefer.

Honorary pallbearers are Dennis Franke, Mike Garcia, David Garza, Oscar Garza II, Frank Klinger, Jose Machado, Morgan Miller, Gary Minton +, Richard Ortiz, Bob Ostos, Gary Palousek, and Ken Schaefer.

The Funeral Mass will be held at twelve noon on Tuesday, February 15, 2022 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 602 E. Elizabeth Street, Brownsville. The Rite of Committal with military honors will follow, via an escorted procession, at Buena Vista Burial Park, 5 McDavitt Boulevard, Brownsville.

Memorial donations can be made to the Sacred Heart Building Fund by mail to Sacred Heart Building Fund c/o Immaculate Conception Cathedral, 1218 E. Jefferson Street, Brownsville, Texas 78520.

Memories of Billy may be shared at www.darlingmouser.com.

Personalized funeral arrangements directed by Steven R. Hieu Bailey and Staff have been entrusted to the care of Darling-Mouser Funeral Home at 945 Palm Boulevard in Brownsville, Texas 78520, (956) 546-7111.