Juan G. Carrasco

Juan G. Carrasco, 86, of San Antonio, TX, passed away peacefully in his sleep on April 6, 2017, in hospice care. As is custom for deceased veterans, his body was draped with the United States flag. We were so moved by this sign of respect, so proud of our father, he served his country well.

Our father, Juan G. Carrasco, was born October 24, 1930 during the Depression. He came from very humble beginnings. His father did the best he could to provide for their family, working in town at Kelly Field, area ranches, and farms. Dad said they would often go and pick fruit to make money to live. But, when he was old enough, he joined the Army and quickly left that life behind. Looking to make life better for himself, his parents, and his siblings – very dedicated to his family. Being raised in a family where Spanish was the main language spoken, dad endured many of the prejudices of that era. But being a man of great determination, he soon mastered the English language as well. God had a great plan for Dad! Through a series of events in his budding Army career, dad was exposed to the medical field. It sparked his interest and he committed himself to become a Medic. He spent many long nights studying over his medical books. Through his dedication and determination Dad became an Army Medic – a Burn Specialist. He served as a Medic in Korea in 1952, where he was wounded. He also served in Vietnam 1967-1968. Through his Army career dad served at numerous bases, stateside and abroad. But whenever he had a choice, he always chose to come back to San Antonio to be stationed at BAMC. When stationed at Ft. Riley, Kansas, he served as a Chief Wardmaster First Sergeant, eventually becoming the Hospital First Sergeant. Dad received the MERITORIOUS SERVICE MEDAL. He retired in 1976 after 26 years of service. A proud American hero who served faithfully and honorably for his country. "A hero to family and country."

When dad was stationed at Ft. Riley, KS, at the beginning of his Army Career, he met our mom, Connie, at the annual Mexican Fiesta church dance in Topeka. He quickly made his intentions known and she accepted! They were married in October 1950, after a short courtship, until mom's passing in January 2017. A total of 66 years of true love and devotion. He missed her deeply after her passing. Our family is at peace knowing they are now together for eternity. Throughout our lives, dad showed his love for his family by providing for us the life that he did not experience as a child. He made sure that his family never went without. Supporting a wife and five children on an Army soldier's pay was a miracle in those days. Mom was a magician with that monthly paycheck! Mom didn't work outside the home, she spent her life raising the kids and running the household. Dad also came up with many ways to make extra money on the side, he was a great entrepreneur at heart. Dad did not like to sit still for too long, always had to be doing something. Mom supported dad in his many ambitious projects. After retirement, he attended more schooling to become a Respiratory Therapist.

Dad enjoyed classic Mexican music. He loved the accordion and took lessons from Flaco Jimenez's son. And he played pretty good too! One of dad's favorite pass times was going fishing with his buddies. They would fish at area lakes and sometimes drive down to the coast to "catch the big one!" Dad loved working out in the yard. He raised beautiful flowers and always had a well-manicured lawn. He had a little workshop (which he built himself) where he would do carpentry projects of all sorts. Dad was also very talented in the kitchen. He made many Mexican deserts from scratch and always headed up the annual Christmas tamale making. He loved sharing tamales with family and friends! Our dad was an amazing person – "Renaissance Man Extraordinaire!"

Juan is survived by his sons, Joseph and James; daughters, Laura and Linda; nine grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, and five great-great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister Martha. All who love him and hold treasured memories. His family will miss him deeply.

A Memorial Service will be held on April 28, 2017, 9:45 am at Porter Loring on McCullough. Following a procession, to Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, 1570 Harry Wurzbach Rd. San Antonio, Texas.