Rudy D. Delgado

On February 9, 2017 Rudy Delgado was called home to be with his Lord and Savior. He is preceded in death by his loving wife of 62 years Guadalupe Vivian (Vela) and his son Michael Delgado. He was also preceded in death by his parents, Miguel “Mike” T. Delgado and Maria de Jesus “Susie” Delgado; brothers Miguel “Mike” J. and Jose “Joe” L. Delgado, brothers-in-law Bob Fritz and Jose “Joe” Torres. He is survived by his sons David, Larry and Rudy Delgado and daughter Susan Watts, numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Rudy was so proud of his centuries-long Texas heritage. Being born on January 7, 1932 in San Antonio, Texas, he was an eighth generation Tejano and descendant of Juan Delgado—the head of the Canary Islands’ 12th family; settlers and pioneers who, at the behest of King Felipe V of Spain, arrived San Antonio on March 9, 1731 with 15 other Canary Islands families. His ancestors created the first civil settlement and government in Texas; established some of the first ranches; served in many of the local militias and high-level governmental positions that would establish the Republic of Texas and would eventually result in Texas becoming the 28th state in the Union. Rudy’s personal qualities were the same as those that served his forefathers well—love for God, family and country.

Like the ancestors before him as well as his two brothers and brothers-in-law, Rudy Delgado served his country for most of his adult life. He joined the U.S Marine Corps in 1949, served for almost 24 years and then served another 20-plus years as a civil servant with the Marine Corps. He served in many places during his military career and garnered several military decorations including three Presidential Unit Citations, Korean Presidential Unit Citation, Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation with palm and frame and the Navy Commendation medal. Rudy was also awarded the Purple Heart for wounds incurred while in combat in Korea.

Rudy was a "Rock Hound" and enjoyed looking for stones to do jewelry making.

He had a calling for deepening his faith and joined the Knights of Columbus at the age of 84. He earned the first degree before his demise.

In place of flowers donations to St. Jude's for Children, Paralyzed Vets or The Smile Train will be appreciated.

Arrangements under the direction of Funeraria Del Angel Roy Akers, San Antonio, TX.