Clemente Galindo, Jr., 83, of San Angelo, Texas, passed away on Sunday, February 7, 2021. Clemente was born on October 28, 1937, to Clemente and Adelina Galindo in San Angelo, Texas. He attended San Angelo Central High School and graduated in 1957. In June 1957, Clemente entered the United States Air Force that for the next two decades led to Clemente receiving assignments U.S. Air Force bases located around the world, including Lackland AFB (San Antonio, TX), Tinker AFB (Oklahoma City, OK), James Connally AFB (Waco, Texas), Thule AFB (Greenland), Incirlik, AFB (Turkey), Tan Son Nhat AFB (Vietnam), Ellington AFB (Houston, TX), Webb AFB (Big Spring, Texas) and Goodfellow AFB (San Angelo, TX). Clemente would reflect most fondly on his military assignment in Saigon, Vietnam, where he served as a general's aide (a competitive appointment), which provided him with first-hand knowledge into senior leadership’s workings.
Clemente's 20-year career with the United States Air Force included a series of awards and honors for outstanding professionalism in service to the country, including the Joint Service Commendation Medal, the USAF Commendation Medal, the USAF Achievement Medal, the National Defense Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal, the USAF Remote Combat Effects Campaign Medal, the USAF Good Conduct Medal and was selected Most Outstanding Airman 25th Weather Squadron. He would conclude his military service at Goodfellow AFB, retiring in July 1977. Clemente would remain extremely humble in private life concerning his military service and commendations received. In 1979, he would begin a 29-year career with GTE (later Verizon), continuing his dedication to service excellence in the private sector..
Clemente would often be found at Station 618 Senior Center in San Angelo, enjoying the camaraderie of friends and acquaintances and working on ceramics. His love of ceramic or pottery making, in particular, would result in him receiving several "Best in Show" blue ribbons at the annual San Angelo Stock Show and Rodeo. He was also a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars.
Clemente’s life is epitomized by service to his country and others. However, he most enjoyed being in service to the most he so dearly loved – his family.
He is preceded in death by his parents Clemente Galindo Sr. and Adelina Chacon Galindo and his brother Jesse Galindo.
He is survived by his brother Arthur Galindo and his sister Nancy (Ramiro) Castanuela; seven nieces and nephews, including Michelle (Randy) Gonzales, Jennifer (Camerino) Galindo, Jesse (Melissa) Nava, Jessica Estrada, Doug (Karen) Aud from Lexington Park, Maryland, Mark (Dawn) Denton and Sinah Magana; and twelve great-nieces and nephews including Daniel Gonzales, Elena Nava, Joey Nava, Mateo, and Olivia Salazar, Holly Galindo, Kimberly Magana, Riley and McKenzie Aud and Celeste, Angel, and Victoria Martinez.
For those wishing to pay their respects, a viewing will be held on Thursday, February 11, 2021, between 6 and 8 pm at Johnson’s Funeral Home located at 435 W. Beauregard Ave, San Angelo, TX 76903.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, a private service for immediate family only will be held at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church. Officiating will be Father Juan Lopez Cortes and will be followed by military honors at Johnson's Lawnhaven Memorial Gardens in San Angelo, Texas.
