R.I.P.: Dan Pena, Longtime Texas Radio Host

Dan Pena

Longtime Corpus Christi radio host Dan Pena died on Wednesday after a brief illness, according to his family and iHeartMedia's KSAB-FM Tejano 99.9.

The Corpus Christi Caller Times reports Pena retired in December after more than 40 years in broadcasting, including 25 on the air at KSAB-FM Tejano 99.9, following a leave due to medical issues.

Pena followed in the footsteps of his father, Armando Pena Sr., a longtime broadcaster in Alice, and started his career in 1980 at KDSI-FM, now KOPY-FM, in Alice.

In November, he was honored by Gov. Greg Abbott with a statement of recognition for his legacy across South Texas. The Jim Wells County commissioners honored him on Dec. 27 for his years of service to South Texas and the Tejano music industry.

Friends, family and listeners shared their condolences after KSAB- Tejano 99.9 published about Pena's death Wednesday night.

"It is with great sadness that we pass along word that our friend, Dan Pena, has gone to be with the Lord," the post said. "Dan loved his job. He loved his listeners. He loved Tejano music. We will pay tribute to Dan in the coming days. Please keep his family in your prayers."