David Nemesio Cuellar

A devoted and loving family man of deep faith, David was a towering figure in his numerous roles as a son, brother, husband, father, uncle, grandfather, great-grandfather and loyal friend.

Outgoing and confident by nature, he spent nearly half his life in patriotic service to his country in the Texas Army National Guard in many capacities as a non-commissioned officer, receiving numerous awards and commendations. During this time, he was also a federal civil service employee working full-time for the Texas Army National Guard.

But his most important relationship was forged in the late 1940s in post-World II San Antonio. Harry Truman was president then. Thats when David met and fell in love with Isabel Aguinaga.

They married in 1951 and started a family. The couple, who enjoyed dancing and kept a busy social calendar, celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary on June 2nd of this year. In April, they were thrilled to welcome their third great-grandchild.

David was the oldest of eight children. As a boy, he was active in the Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts of America and later in ROTC. He was an all-American kid who excelled at sports and loved to laugh and attend family picnics at Concepcion Park. He was a born servant leader and he and his first four brothers were in the Texas National Guard Military Police at one time. Later, all six brothers served in the military at the same time. He also had many life-long friends from high-school who always supported each other.

He graduated from Fox Tech High School, majoring in architectural drafting. He had a passion for photography. At San Antonio College, David studied photography and learned to develop film and make prints. His military education and training took him to bases around the country. At Our Lady of the Lake University, he took continuing education courses to upgrade his computer skills.

Because David was born on Halloween, his birthdays were especially fun, colorful affairs. Plans were in the works for his upcoming 92nd birthday in a few days.

His Catholic faith was central to his family life. David was always involved in planning the annual Nacimiento, celebrating the birth of the Christ child. His parents began their Christmas Eve nativity scene tradition 100 years ago this December with a recitation of the rosary, a small devotional procession, a swaddled baby Jesus and songs, including "Llega Llega" ("The Arrival").

He loved to cook and had several special dishes. Nothing delighted him more than feeding a big crowd of family and friends. One of his favorites was cooking a pot of flavorful menudo for New Years Eve. He passed the recipe to his grandson Paul.

He took great pride in his family and stressed education and hard work. With Isabel at his side, he never missed baptisms, birthdays or graduations. No milestone was too small to celebrate.

David was a lifetime member of the 141st Infantry Regiment Association, writing its constitution and by-laws, serving as an officer on its board, and editing and publishing its newsletter, The Rabbit Twister, since 1991.

David was preceded in death by his parents Refugio B. Cuellar and Ysabel A. Zamora Cuellar, and brothers Richard Cuellar and Charles Cuellar.

He is survived by his wife, Isabel A. Cuellar; children Christine A. Cuellar, David A. Cuellar, Edward M. Cuellar (Cynthia S. Cuellar); grandchildren Joseph Cuellar, Stephen Cuellar, Rachel C. Hoffmeyer (Matthew Hoffmeyer), Sarah Cuellar, Paul Cuellar (Elisa P. Cuellar), Chrystal Cuellar; great-grandchildren Travis Hoffmeyer, Anthony Hoffmeyer, Evan Cuellar; brothers and sisters Victoria Avila, Cecilia Munoz, Michael Cuellar (Young Cuellar), Joe Cuellar (Betty Jo Cuellar), Danny Cuellar (Dolores Cuellar), sisters-in-law Aurora Cuellar and Yolanda Cuellar; and numerous nieces and nephews.

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