Xavier Arturo Montalvo

Lt. Col. Xavier A. Montalvo, also known as X, to family and friends, entered in to the loving arms of our Lord on April 30, 2021, at the age of 73. He was born in Kingsville, Texas, on December 6, 1947, to Maria Saenz, and Jose A. Montalvo. He was the oldest child in the family, followed by his two sisters!

Xavier earned his Civil Engineering degree at Texas A& I in Kingsville, Texas. In 1972 Xavier began working as a Civil Service employee with Tinker Air Force Base in Midwest City, Oklahoma. as general engineer! After 12 years in Oklahoma, came a transfer to the Kingsville Naval Air Station in Kingsville, Texas! One year in Kingsville, sent the family packing to Military City, USA. San Antonio offered him the opportunity to work at Kelly AirForce Base, Brooks Air Force Base and retiring at Fort Sam Houston with many years of Civil Service to the United States Government.

A civil engineering degree offered him many engineering opportunities from aerospace to medical engineering. In 1970 he began his Army Reservist career as a Private E1 with the 471 Engineering Company in Corpus Christi. In 1971 he transferred to 353 Engineer Group in Oklahoma City, Okla. In 1973 he was assigned as an Army Recruiter. In 1977, after 7 years of enlisted service, he received a direct commission to the rank of 1st lieutenant. That same year he was promoted to Captain as a Company Commander of HHC 353 Engineering Headquarters Company in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

In 1985, the family moved to San Antonio, where he was promoted to a Major with the 321st Civil Affairs Group. In 1989 he was promoted again to a Lieutenant Colonel, also with the 321st Civil Affairs Group. In 2004, after serving 34 years with the Army Reserves he retired as a Lt. Colonel! He always enjoyed the Army Reserves! He had the opportunity to meet people from all over the world. His best reward was building friendships that lasted a lifetime.

While Xavier was a gifted man with a near photographic memory and worked on high clearance government projects, he was humbly most known as the life of the party. While he loved to fix and tinker on model airplanes, cars, motorcycles and watches, he was most known for his jokes. His laughter, and wit could fix the heart of anyone he met. He could tell jokes like nobody else could!

His greatest joy was his grandson, Ace, who also shared his love of model airplanes and watches. This quick wit and sense of humor is not learned; it’s in the genes and something Ace will always have from his Papa.

Everyone knows Xavier’s greatest attribute was being an exceptional husband of 49 years, to his high school sweetheart of 6 years, Emma. Their 55 years together was bonded in faith and the love of God. Xavier’s Faith, Ace, Steve, Becky and Emma were his greatest ammunition for his battles with cancer. He fought 5 battles with cancer. 4 of those battles he beat. This last battle was his most difficult, but he won the biggest victory when the Lord lead him by his hand to paradise. He is finally at peace.

Here on Earth, he enjoyed and loved all his nieces and nephews as his own. Of course, it was Ace who could really make a cloudy day bring sunshine smiles. Everyone, families and friends have their own special memories of Uncle X.

Xavier will be reunited in heaven with his parents, Maria and Jose Montalvo; sister, Mary Kimura; and father-in-law, Antonio Rodriguez. He will always be remembered by his loving wife, Emma Montalvo; daughter, Rebeca Montalvo, J.D. and husband, Steve Butler, J.D., grandchild, Ace Butler; sister, Arabella Trevino and husband Dr. Jose Treviño. He always hoped that he could play a small part of his nephews’ lives by motivating and inspiring them to move forward with their education. He cared and loved all of his immediate and extended family and wanted the best for them. One of his greatest assets was his gift of spreading joy and laughter, and HOPE.

For 35 years Xavier fought his battles with cancer. He fought his cancer battles without fear and never losing HOPE. He set an example of courage for all of us that with believing and having Faith in our Lord Jesus Christ we can endure any battle we encounter. With his Faith and courage, he was abundantly blessed with many blessings and miracles.

He wanted his legacy to be... “Don’t worry about today, tomorrow will be better!”

1 Corinthians 16:13

Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong. (NIV)

Army Strong! Oorah!

Interment will follow at Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery after mass.