Ricardo Medina

Ricardo Medina, age 63, passed away at the Olin E. Teague Veterans’ Center in Temple Texas, in the company of his family and loving wife at his bedside on May 31, 2022. Ricardo was born September 25, 1958 in Brownsville, Texas.

Ricardo was a graduate of the University of Central Texas with a Master of Science degree in Criminal Justice, a Bachelor of Arts degree in Computer Science, and an Associate’s degree in General Studies.

At the age of 17, Ricardo enlisted in the Army and began his journey of serving his country. In 1983, he was selected to attend the NCO school in Georgia, and in 1984, he was selected to attend the NCO school in Oklahoma; where he successfully completed both programs. In 1987, he had the privilege and honor of being part of the Reforger program, where he trained and collaborated with the Royal Queen’s Guards for NATO operations. While in the military, he was pre-accepted into the Warrant Officer program and also successfully completed the Special Forces training for the Green Berets; but he respectfully declined due to his obligations and love for his family.

His decorations in the Army include the Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal with one oak leaf cluster, Army Achievement Medal with two oak leaf clusters, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, the NCO Professional Development Ribbon III, and many others. He was honorably discharged from the Army in 1992.

Ricardo’s faith was strong; he taught CCD classes at Fort Hood, and he encouraged and instilled faith in his family and others in the community. His stewardship showed an example of Jesus’s commandment to “love one another as I have loved you,” where he helped the homeless and welcomed strangers into his home. He gave selflessly to others even when times were tough for his own family. He was married to his loving, devoted wife for over 46 years, sharing many wonderful memories, growing up together, and overcoming many adversities with their strong faith and love for each other. They created a beautiful and wonderful life together. He was very social, loved his family, his children, and grandchildren.

In his spare time, he enjoyed attending his children and grandchildren’s events. He did team-bonding with his sons by taking them to train with his soldiers. He enjoyed carpentry in his spare time, making bookshelves and other items for his grandchildren.

Ricardo was preceded in death by his father Jose Medina, Jr.; his mom, Maria de Lourdes Medina; his sisters, Elizabeth and Jessica Medina; and his grandparents, Jose and Hortensia Medina, Gaspar and Rosa DeLeon; numerous aunts and uncles; father-in-law, Matias Robles Yzaguirre; his mother-in-law, Maria de Jesus Garza; and several brothers-in-law.

Ricardo is survived by his wife, Maria; children: Ricardo Medina, Jr. (Jennifer); Lisa Medina-Ramon (Joseph); Jose Medina; Hilda Medina-Torres (Jonathan); Rose; and 23 grandchildren. He is also survived by his siblings: Jose Medina (Connie); Elena Medina Cano (Carlos); Gustavo Medina; Lourdes Pena (Rene); Guillermo Medina; Marco Medina (Brooke); and a plethora of nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, June 9, 2022, from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm with the Rosary to be prayed at 6:00 pm at The Crawford-Bowers Funeral Home in Copperas Cove, TX. After the Rosary, others will be allowed to share their fond memories of Ricardo.

Funeral mass will be held on Friday, June 10, 2022 at 11:00 am at Holy Family Catholic Church in Copperas Cove, TX. Following the mass, will be the military honors and presentation of the flag. Everyone is invited to join the reception after at the Holy Family Catholic Reception Hall. At Ricardo's request cremation will follow. A private ceremony of his cremains will be held at a later date with his immediate family.

Pallbearers: Military Honor Guard

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that a memorial donation be given to Holy Family Catholic Church 1001 Georgetown Rd, Copperas Cove, Texas 76522.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.crawfordbowerscopperascove.com for the Medina family.