Richard Arthur Buitron

Richard was born in San Antonio, Texas, to Charles and Helen Buitron on January 21, 1931. He graduated from Burbank High School.

A proud veteran, Richard honorably served in the United States Army during the Korean War. At the age of 18, he chose to enlist rather than wait to be drafted. He began his service in 1949 and completed four years of active duty through 1952. His early training took place in Fort Smith, Arkansas, followed by an assignment in Tokyo, Japan, where he developed skills in photography, including film development and photo printing.

He was later deployed to Korea, where he initially served as a company clerk before joining the Second Infantry Division as a front-line infantryman. During the Korean War, Richard participated in intense combat operations, including the battles of Heartbreak Ridge and Bloody Ridge. During these campaigns, he was wounded and required hospitalization.

In recognition of his bravery and service, Richard was awarded the following medals: the Purple Heart Medal, the Combat Infantryman’s Badge, the Korean Service Medal with four Bronze Service Stars, the Army of Occupation Medal (Japan), a Distinguished Unit Citation, and the National Defense Service Medal.

Richard was a constant presence in his community and church throughout his life. He proudly participated in the Knights of Columbus Assembly 1102, St. Luke’s Men’s Club, and St. Luke’s Guadalupanos Group, and generously gave his time as a dedicated usher during church services.

He also had a deep interest in his family’s heritage and was a member of the Los Bexareños Genealogical Society. Through his research, with the assistance of his wife Letty, a former educator, he traced his ancestry to Juan Anselmo Losoya, brother of Toribio Losoya, who gave his life defending the Battle of the Alamo in 1836. In recognition of this lineage, Richard also became a member of the Sons of the Republic of Texas.

Professionally, Richard worked in real estate and insurance before later contributing his talents as a marketing consultant with La Prensa, a bilingual newspaper in San Antonio.

Richard was a man who found joy in life’s simple pleasures. An avid gardener with an exceptional green thumb, he loved planting vegetables and took special pride in growing his sunflowers each year. He had a deep love for animals and never hesitated to help a small animal in need, even at the risk of being bitten while rescuing or caring for them.

Richard loved music and dancing, especially sharing dances with his daughters and granddaughters, and treasured every moment spent with his grandchildren. He proudly served coffee and donuts to patients at the Frank Tejeda Clinic each day as part of the Purple Heart veteran group to which he belonged. Known for his generous spirit, he was never one to say “no” when someone needed help. He took great pride in riding on the Veterans’ float during Fiesta parades with family, creating memories that brought him tremendous joy.

He is preceded in death by his first wife, Rose Buitron♰, and his son, Dr. Richard Buitron Jr.♰ (Belinda Hernandez).

Richard is survived by his wife, Leticia Green, whose love and companionship were a great blessing in his later years. He also leaves behind a loving blended family, including his daughters: Patricia Miranda (Paul),Debra Engleking (Todd), Annette Green-Reyes (Phil), Darlene Green-Garza (Jaime), and Ginnie Green-Salinas (Robert); his sisters, Leticia Navarro (Fernando) and Annette Buitron; and his cherished grandchildren: Tim and Nicole Miranda; Amber Filipek (Brett); Ashley Engleking; Alezandra and Anissa Reyes; Nicolas and Selika Garza; and John Alfred, Nina, and Ginette Salinas. His enduring legacy of kindness, faith, and devotion to family lives on through his great-grandchildren, Eli Paul Miranda, Nico Miranda, Elinore Filipek, and Nicolas Jaime Garza II, as well as several nieces and nephews.

The family will receive visitors wishing to pay their respects on Monday, May 25, 2026, from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m., followed by a Rosary from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Sunset Northwest Funeral Home. A Mass will be held on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Luke’s Catholic Church, with burial to follow at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery. A luncheon will be held following the interment at St. Luke’s Catholic Church Parish Hall from 12:30-2:30 pm, hosted by the St. Luke Catholic Church Bereavement Ministry and Los Guadalupanos Society.

Arrangements are by Sunset Northwest Funeral Home.

“What we once enjoyed and deeply loved we can never lose, for all that we love deeply becomes a part of us.”