Alberto Manuel Marin

Alberto “Al” Manuel Marin, age 68, passed away on Saturday, February 4, 2023 in New Braunfels, TX. He was born on January 24, 1955 just outside of Mexico City, to parents, Raul Marin Sr. and Renee Turpin Marin.

Al’s lengthy service to his country and state included six and a half years in the United States Army during the Vietnam War and as a military police officer in Germany, where Mr. Henry Kissinger himself asked him to never return to Germany (it involved pretending carrots were grenades and “playing” with opposition troops). He continued serving his community as a civilian police officer for Junction City, Castle Hills, San Antonio, and Alamo Community Colleges. Until the day he passed, Al swore he was not drawn to Dunkin’ Donuts for the donuts, but because they had “the freshest coffee.”

Al graduated with his Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from Wayland Baptist University and used his knowledge and skills to assist his community in solving crimes. He was unable to solve the mystery of how he’d stolen his wife’s heart, but suspected it had to do with his swagger and charm. An avid ancestry investigator, Al created his own database that dated to before the 17th century. During his intensive research, he made many trips to look at family grave sites and records offices, making his youngest daughter “bored out of her mind.” He also greatly enjoyed piloting fixed-wing small planes and helicopters, both enthralling and terrifying his children, but most of all, he enjoyed landing that “damn helicopter” in the backyard to annoy his annoying neighbors.

Al relished (a triggering word for his youngest as she once knocked over a jar of relish and he spent the next week saying “I relish the thought”) being an active member of the Texas Eight Masonic Lodge and the Aircraft Owner’s and Pilot’s Association. Not only was he a donut and coffee connoisseur, he was an artist, working in a variety of mediums. His favorites were leather work, photography, bullet making, and snoring louder than the tv when his girls were watching shows.

In case it isn’t abundantly clear, Al had an amazing sense of humor and is deeply missed. He was preceded in death by his parents. Al is survived by his loving wife, Monica Marin; daughters, Kristina Dube and husband Andy, Mandy Randall and husband Calvin, and Tiffany Manatt and husband Sam; grandchildren, Riley and Brett Dube and Gracie Randall; as well as numerous extended family members and dear friends. The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., Tuesday, February 14, 2023 at Porter Loring Mortuary.

GRAVESIDE SERVICEWITH MILITARY HONORSWEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 20239:45 A.M.FORT SAM HOUSTON NATIONAL CEMETERY

In lieu of flowers, Al would have preferred donations be made to Shriner’s Children’s Hospital.