Margarito "Max" Granado

Margarito (Max) Granado was born in Brownsville, Texas on September 23, 1940 and went home to be with the Lord on July 3, 2016. At a young age, he developed a love for music that would last a lifetime. He had a natural talent for playing instruments and learned to play the piano, trumpet and guitar by ear. He enjoyed demonstrating his appreciation for all things musical and as a youth added singing to his repertoire in church, eventually becoming leader of the choir.

As he approached adulthood, Max made the decision to proudly serve his country, joining the US Marine Corps at the age of eighteen. He had a long career in the military starting at Camp Pendleton in San Diego and eventually moved on to duty stations in Hawaii, North Carolina and Texas. Max served two tours in Vietnam with the 1st Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company (ANGLICO) attached to the 2nd Battalion/26th Regiment. His unit was known as “Chaplain’s Nomads”. He was exceptional among his ranks as a Forward Air Controller (FAC) and was deployed globally as a trainer to pilots and other FACs. For his exceptional duty in Vietnam, he received an in-field promotion and widespread respect among his fellow Marines.

He is survived by his wife Christine Granado. He is also survived by three sons, Norbeth (Carmella) Granado, Rick (Heidi) Granado, Gilbert (Ericka) Granado, one daughter, Guadalupe (Ernie) Medrano, eight grandchildren, one brother, Gilbert (Teresa) Rodriguez and three sisters, Minerva (Daniel) Adams-Flores, Celia (Johnny) Ruiz and Anita Miller-David.

He was preceded in death by his father Manuel H. Granado, his mother Trinidad A. Farias and one brother, Johnny Rodriguez.

Max was a proud Texan, a man of many experiences, interests and complexities. He was a true patriot who enjoyed reminiscing about Marine brotherhood, lively Tex-Mex music and the fun of a 49er win. He also found true joy in attending church and most recently reconnected with his love for spiritual music while enjoying fellowship and singing hymns at Weidner Road Baptist Church in San Antonio, Texas.

He was also a father, husband and grandfather who in the sunset of his life enjoyed the relationships he had with his children and family members. He will be greatly missed.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, July 12, from 5 – 8 pm at Zoeller’s Funeral Home in New Braunfels, Texas. A celebration of Max’s life will be held at Weidner Road Baptist Church in San Antonio on Wednesday, July 13, 8 – 9 am with internment at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery immediately following.

“Although you are gone from this world, we gain great solace, peace, comfort and strength in knowing that you are in His presence and that one glorious day, our eyes will meet again in a place where there are no tears and Jesus is Lord.”