John Jack George Chidgey

Jack was the youngest son of William T. Chidgey and Isabelle Loyer, born in San Antonio on December 22, 1922. Jack graduated from Central Catholic High School in 1940.

At the age of 16, Jack rescued Mrs. Molly O'Shea from her blazing apartment by breaking in and carrying her from her burning bed. Congressman Paul J. Kilday wrote Jack afterwards that "Not many men would have the courage to do what you did under such dangerous circumstances."

Shortly after Pearl Harbor, Jack enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. and upon graduation became the youngest Drill Instructor in the Marine Corps.

Jack was a part of the invasion force at Okinawa and helped liberate Chinese prisoners and disarm Japanese troops in China. He served three tours in Viet-Nam one of which was aboard the U.S.S. carrier Hancock. Jack retired from the Marines at the rank of 1st Sgt. in 1969.

As Vice-President, General Manager and eventually part-owner of Olmos Building Materials his contribution to the business community also included his work with ORCO Studios Stainglass and Aramco Services, Daiharan, Saudi Arabia. He later retired in 1989.

Jack was preceded in death by his long time companion, Margie Heinen.

He is survived by, his three sons, John T. Chidgey, and wife, Debbie, William R. Chidgey and Pam Chidgey, Robert O. Chidgey; his sister, Nancy Chidgey Means and his nephews, Charles May, Henry, David and Joe Chidgey; grandchildren, Jennifer Gerri, John-Paul, and wife, Amanda, Julia, Jennifer and Christopher, Robert and Caroline and step-grandson, Marty, and wife, Sallie. He also leaves great grandchildren, Katie, John-Luke, Tex, Eve, Hollie and Sarah.

Visitation will begin at 6:30 P.M. at Porter Loring on McCullough with a Rosary at 7:30 P.M. in the Chapel.

On Friday, December 11th, a procession will depart Porter Loring at 7:30 AM for the Celebrant Mass at St. Mary's Catholic Church, 202 N. St. Mary's, at 8:00 AM.

Interment in Sunset Memorial Park, 1701 Austin Highway, San Antonio, Texas.