Rodolfo Enrique Lozano Guerrero

Rodolfo Enrique Lozano Guerrero, born on Nov. 10, 1923 in Maxwell, TX went to be with his Lord and Savior on September 23, 2013 at the age of 89 years. He is preceded in death by his loving wife Rebecca, parents Alfredo and Eulalia; brothers, Jesus, Alfredo and Arnulfo; sisters Lilia, Irma, Dora and Billie Ann.

Rodolfo spent his youth working on the farm and in 1942 was drafted into the Army Air Corps. Stationed in Norwich, Norfolk, England, he was part of the 458th Heavy Bombardment Group of the Eighth Air Force. He was the radio operator and upper turret gunner on a B-24 Liberator. He flew 30 combat missions during World War II including two bombing runs on D-Day. He received the Air Medal with three clusters and the Distinguished Flying Cross. He was also awarded the Certificate of Valor.

After World War II, Rodolfo returned to San Marcos and attended Southwest Texas State Teachers College. He was a member of both the Bobcat basketball and track teams, lettering in each sport. He received his degree in 1948 and began his coaching and teaching career in Brownsville. He returned to San Marcos a year later to begin his Master's Degree.

While at Southwest, Rodolfo began working for the S.A.I.S.D. at Irving Middle School. Two years later he led the team to the city-wide championship title. He married Rebecca Ruth Hodge on June 1, 1951. Later that year Rodolfo was hired to be a coach and teacher at Fox Tech High School. During this time both Rodolfo and Rebecca served as missionaries in northern New Mexico during the summer. Their love of the people of the area as well as the mountains inspired them to begin to build a summer home in Taos.

In 1959, Rodolfo became executive director of the House of Neighborly Service, a community agency on the West Side connected to the Divine Redeemer Church, where he and his family attended. He was an active member, serving as an Elder and Sunday school teacher.

In 1971, Rodolfo went to work as executive director for the United Fund. A year later he left to work for the Presbyterian Church as the director of Hispanic American Ministries for the Synod of the Sun. Upon retirement in 1988_ Rodolfo continued his life of service by volunteering as a food bank director and Sunday school teacher at the West Durango Plaza Apartments. Rodolfo and Rebecca continued to enjoy life by traveling across the country and to Europe. They also would spend 4-5 months a year at their Taos home. Rodolfo loved people. He stayed in contact with many former students by attending their reunions. His front porch was a meeting place for neighborhood friends, their caregivers, walkers and joggers.

He is survived by his sisters, Zulema and Nelda; daughter, Sandra Rivera (David); sons, Russell (Yvette Sanchez) and Rudy; grandchildren, Marisa Elizondo (Jesse), Adam Sanchez-Guerrero, Joshua Sanchez-Guerrero, Justin Arredondo-Guerrero, and Anicia Arredondo-Guerrero; great-grandchildren, Caleb, Nehemiah and Ziana Elizondo.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m.to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 26, 2013 at Porter Loring Mortuary.

EVENING SERVICE

THURSDAY

SEPTEMBER 26, 2013

7:00 P.M.

PORTER LORING CHAPEL

SERVICE

FRIDAY

SEPTEMBER 27, 2013

9:30 A.M.

DIVINE REDEEMER PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

407 N. CALAVERAS

Interment will follow at San Marcos City Cemetery (1001 Old Ranch Rd. 12, San Marcos, TX, 78666) at 1:00 P.M.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to Divine Redeemer Presbyterian Church, 407 N. Calaveras, San Antonio, TX 78207.