Tributes

Vincent M. Huízar, born on August 25, 1951, to Luis Huízar and Martina Martinez Huízar of San Antonio, Texas, passed on to be with our Lord on November 12, 2025. He was a devoted steward of San Antonio’s Mission history, a cherished voice of the South Side and a proud sixth-generation descendant of Don Pedro Huízar, sculptor of the “Rose Window” at Mission San José. Vincent carried on his family’s legacy through his work at Mission San José as a historian, sharing the cultural impact of his ancestors. His passion for accuracy and detail made him a respected figure among historians, preservationists, and neighbors alike. Vincent grew up on the South Side and was a graduate of Harlandale High School, Class of 1969. He worked for 37 years as a sheet metal craftsman before retiring in 2007. Even in retirement, he rarely slowed down, pouring his energy into art, research, and community history. Vincent was an artist at heart. He painted, sketched, and sculpted, often carving roses, angels, and figures from tough materials like limestone and steel. Many remember seeing him at Mission San José, sitting on a bench with carving tools in hand, quietly shaping his next piece while greeting passerby’s. He was also a skilled woodworker. His love for woodworking was evident in the intricate custom wall hangings he crafted and the custom pieces he built for family, friends, and the community, ranging from picnic tables, sandboxes, to wooden picture frames. Vincent took immense pride in his family heritage and dedicated himself to sharing the stories of the missions with accuracy and reverence. In 2000, he began formally researching his family history, a journey that deepened his respect for his lineage and inspired extensive study of the Huízar family’s legacy. His commitment culminated in 2012 with the creation of the Don Pedro Huízar Garden, a small city park located at César E. Chávez Boulevard and St. Mary’s Street—a feat that took nearly five years to accomplish. Vincent tirelessly championed the recognition of the park, which had gone without a formal dedication or marker since the late 1970s. Through his hard work and determination, it was officially dedicated on January 13, 2012. For many years, Vincent cared for the Mission cemetery of his ancestors, located on the grounds of Mission San José, regularly tending and maintaining the area. In 2011, he collaborated with the National Park Service to restore the Huízar burial plot in front of the mission, ensuring the original gravestones, long misplaced and stored in park archives for decades, were returned to their rightful place. This restoration was celebrated with a special blessing that attracted descendants from near and far. Vincent also served as a tour guide for the mission for many years, sharing detailed family history and captivating audiences from around the world. He seamlessly wove together stories from the colonial past with the accomplishments he personally achieved for Mission San José. He was active in the community, serving on a local World Heritage advisory panel in 2013 and advocating for deeper mission-era interpretation at the Alamo. He championed historical storytelling that honored the mission families, their craftsmen, and their oral histories. Vincent’s knowledge, and his willingness to speak up, made him a valuable and respected voice in local heritage discussions. In 2014, he was instrumental in having the Rose Window entered into the Congressional Record in Washington, D.C. Congressman Pete P. Gallego honored him and other descendants with framed documents recognizing their efforts, and in appreciation, Vincent presented the congressman with a replica of the Rose Window. Vincent shared his craft widely throughout the community. During the 2011 restoration of the Mission façade, he gifted Archbishop Gustavo García-Siller, MSpS, with a handcrafted limestone carving. In 2013, the Bexar County Commissioners Court proclaimed Vincent an honorary Hidalgo, recognizing his relentless work in preserving his family’s heritage and his many contributions to the community. He was presented the award by Judge Nelson Wolff, and in gratitude, Vincent presented the judge with a custom limestone carving. He also shared his artistry with others who supported preservation efforts, gifting a replica of the Rose Window to the manager of the Mission Library, and other pieces to the U.S. Secretary of the Interior, and the superintendent of the National Park Service at the time. Vincent was also a founding member of a Native American group, reflecting his commitment to cultural preservation and community engagement. As a member of the Inter-Tribal group, he often dressed in traditional Native attire and participated in drum performances. A familiar face in parades and descendant events during World Heritage Month, Hispanic Heritage Month, and throughout the year, he remained dedicated to honoring and preserving his family’s legacy. His contributions are also recognized in the Visitor Center at Mission San José, where he is featured for his commitment to historical accuracy and preservation of the Huízar lineage. His limestone carvings have been displayed in the Spanish Archives at the San Antonio Courthouse, the Paul Elizondo Towers in downtown San Antonio, the Mission Library and at his alma mater, Harlandale High School. One of his hand carvings is featured at the World Heritage Office in San Antonio, where he also appears in their video highlighting historic ties to the Missions. In 2018, he played a key role in the creation of the Pedro Huízar painting on a pillar beneath Highway 90, working directly with artist David Blancas to bring the piece to life. The mural, part of the Windows to Our Heritage series, is featured on the underpasses below Highway US 90 and Mission Road. Windows to Our Heritage is one of several murals that make up the World Heritage Mural Trail. Loved and admired throughout the community, Vincent touched countless lives through his dedication, artistry, and unwavering commitment to history. He will be forever missed. To his family, Vincent was not only a historian but a loving husband, father, brother, uncle, cousin, friend, godfather, and grandfather. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him. One of his final legacies is reflected in the public art piece Kindred by Ashley Pérez, dedicated on November 14, 2025, and located at 3201 Mission Road. The 20-foot-tall, vibrant painted steel sculpture features hands modeled after Vincent’s own, symbolizing the stories he preserved and the connections he nurtured. The design draws its inspiration directly from Vincent’s hands, making it a profound honor to have him memorialized in a public artwork that will stand in permanent tribute to his legacy. Vincent is preceded in death by his parents, Luis Huízar and Martina Martinez Huízar; siblings Olivia Garza, Carlos Huízar, William Huízar, and Luis Huízar Jr.; his son, William Huízar; and his grandson, Daniel Jacob Sauceda. He is survived by his wife, Biolanda Huízar; sons Daniel Sauceda (Linda Sauceda), Vincent Huízar Jr., and Joe Louis Huízar Sr. (Christina Huízar); daughter Victoria Soto (Jorge Soto); 13 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren; siblings Antoinette Huízar Martinez, Frank Huízar (Sylvia Huízar), and Martha Huízar; and countless friends and extended family members who loved him dearly. A visitation will take place on Nov. 24 from 5 to 8 p.m. at Mission Park Funeral Chapel South, with a rosary at 6:30 p.m. A Mass will be held on Nov. 25 at 10 a.m. at Mission San José Church. Interment to follow at Mission Burial Park South.

Tributes

Vincent M. Huizar

August 25, 1951 - November 12, 2025