Guadalupe Jose Esparza

He is preceded in death by his children, Marco Antonio Esparza and Magda Lili Esparza.

Mr. Esparza is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Lili V. Esparza; daughter, Mayra V. Esparza and grandchildren, Magda Victoria Esparza; Emmanuel Antonio Esparza; Ezekiel Saul Esparza and his sister, Pearl Esparza Martinez of McAllen, TX.

A loving husband, father, grandfather, friend and educator, he was born on April 28, 1930 in McAllen, TX.

He served in the United States Marine Corps and had two honorable discharges having served as a Quarter Master and in the Infantry.

He received a medical retirement due to the permanent loss of his right eye while fighting in the Korean War which earned him a Presidential Citation and a Purple Heart Medal.

With the true spirit of a Marine and the determination of a Texan, with roots embedded at the Alamo, he went on to live a very full and successful life.

Attending Pan American College from 1952 to 1955, earning a Bachelors of Arts Degree and attended the University of Southern California in 1956 as a student of Spanish.

In 1959 through 1961, he attended Texas A&M in Kingsville, TX, earning a Master of Arts Degree. He continued to study for his Doctorate in Education.

His experience in education started in the McAllen, Texas I.S.D., continued in San Antonio at Edgewood I.S.D and concluded at Harlandale High School as Vice-Principal.

He also was a Spanish instructor at several colleges throughout San Antonio.

One of Mr. Esparza's greatest passions was politics. In his early years, he ran for city council in McAllen, TX and later in life, ran for County Commissioner in San Antonio.

When asked if he had any hobbies, he would reply; "Who has time for hobbies? I have a family to raise."

G.J. Esparza adored his family with undying love.

His wonderful smile and strong hand shake made a lasting impression with all that were blessed to know him.

He faced life as he faced death, with great strength and courage. Mr. Esparza's faith was very strong and knew the Lord, thy God, was with him every step of the way.

Although his loved ones know he is in a better place, he will be greatly missed.

His generous heart and his loving spirit will be with us forever.

With open hearts now and always, we give great thanks to the doctors that believed in his spirit and never gave up on him.

A special thanks to Dr. Y. Gia Dice, for her caring manner and compassionate heart.

And to the dedicated staff of angels at Vitas Innovative Hospice Care as well as the fine staff at Methodist Hospitals. "His Spirit Lives Forever"