Ascencion Martinez Muñoz

Ascencion Martinez Muñoz, 89, of Bryan, passed away at his home on May 1, 2015 . Visitation is set for Tuesday, May 5, 2015 from 6-8 pm, with a rosary to be recited at 6:30 pm at Memorial Funeral Chapel in Bryan. A service in his honor will be held at 12:00 pm, Wednesday, May 6, 2015 at St. Joseph Catholic Church. Interment will follow at Mt. Calvary Cemetery with military honors.

Ascencion was born on May 26, 1925, to Martin and Augustina Muñoz. He married Pauline Garcia of Cameron, Texas, on May 2, 1943 and they were blessed with three children, Polly, Tommy, and Eddie Muñoz.

Ascencion was part of the Greatest Generation of WWII Veterans; he was inducted into the Army on July 22, 1943 and served his country honorably until December 31, 1945. He saw combat multiple times as an infantryman (first scout/point man) with Company I 172nd Infantry Brigade, in the Asiatic-Pacific Theatre Campaign. He received numerous decoratio0ns, to include a Combat Infantry Badge, Campaign Ribbon with 2 Bronze Stars, 1 Bronze Arrowhead, Philippine Liberation Campaign Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal, Victory Ribbon and 3 Overseas Service Bars. He was a lifelong member of the American Legion and the VFW.

After returning home from the war, he worked over 50 years as an auto mechanic for Bernath Motor Company, Sam LaBoid Auto Service and Bryan Radiator, where he inherited the nickname PeeWee. Later, he was the owner and manager of Muñoz Auto Service, where all his customers referred to him as John. Upon retiring, he devoted many hours at Mi Cocina Restaurant.

Ascencion loved to dance and enjoyed listening to music, especially music of the Big Band Era and the sounds of the Glen Miller Band. One of his favorite past times, was spending time in his garage with family and friends, playing cards or dominoes and watching football games.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his loving wife of 60 years, Pauline, his son, Eddie Muñoz, his grandson, Andy Treviño, a sister, Manuela Cortez, and 2 brothers, Amador and Pete Muñoz. He is survived by his daughter, Polly and husband, Rafael Martinez, his son, Tommy and wife, Margaret Muñoz, grandchildren, Chris and R.B. Martinez, Tommy (T.J.) and wife, Vanessa Muñoz, Misty Muñoz, Stephanie Muñoz, a brother, Martin Muñoz, a sister, Mary Martinez, and 8 great-grandchildren.

Honoring Ascencion as pallbearers will be family members: Richard Cortez, Rudy Grimaldo, David Martinez, Anthony Muñoz, Mark Solis, and John Yeppez.

The family would like to thank the staff of Hospice Brazos Valley, especially Chester and Pam for the care they gave to Ascencion and the support they gave to his family. A special thank you to Janie Martinez, who always took the time to help with Ascencion’s care whenever needed. Also, Johnny Yeppez for all of his help during this difficult time.

Donations may be made to Hospice Brazos Valley.