Cesar "Papo" Rene Medina

Papo was born in San Antonio, Texas, and was a proud Vietnam veteran. During his service with the U.S. Army, he earned five Purple Hearts. He also came home with a photo album full of firsthand history, including pictures of Leroy, his pet monkey, and Dinky, his puppy, both acquired in the jungles of Vietnam. He also brought back high-velocity shrapnel he was oddly proud of, which eventually contributed to his 100% service-connected disability.

His biggest love was his wife, Petra "Nana" Zamora Medina. With Papo's picturesque good looks Nana was convinced he couldn't possibly be serious about her. He was. He charmed her, and they married on November 10, 1972, in Laredo. Nothing and no one came before his Nana. He was rarely seen without her, and when he wasn't nearby, he left her in the care of their loyal dog, Fish. Together they traveled the country, usually without warning. A typical call to the kids was that they were heading to Walmart. The follow-up call, hours later, was that they'd made it to Walmart — in Tennessee. They never packed and bought clothes wherever they landed, except underwear, which they hand-washed and hung in the hotel bathroom. Papo sent pictures.

Papo was brilliant and could build anything. He loved gadgets and gizmos. He was a lifelong prankster and one of the funniest people you could ever meet. He delivered every joke completely deadpan and waited. The second you caught on, he'd break into that mischievous giggle that told you you'd been had. He held court from his front porch, where neighbors stopped by and left laughing, and he was the man you'd spot watering his lawn in the middle of an active flood. Logic was not the goal here. Humor was. He also loved taking his grandkids to Denny's at 2 a.m. for no reason at all.

He had a passion for what the family called his arsenal. It was an expensive hobby, but a meaningful one. He taught his kids and grandkids to shoot and to care for and safely store a firearm, and he dragged his children to gun shows all over South Texas whether they wanted to go or not. Some of his happiest days were spent at the range or hunting with family and friends.

His other passion was compassion. Papo had a soft spot for anyone hurting and kept bills ready for whoever needed help at the next stoplight. He passed his love of animals down to all of us, and took great joy in telling people he had a dog named Fish and a cat named Bird, then watching them try to figure out whether he was joking. He wasn't.

Around town, he was known for leaving $2 bills folded into origami with his tips. But his true calling card was the silver dollar. Papo gave them to just about everyone who crossed his path, each with a little blessing, and he'd check back later to make sure you still had it. Right up to the end, every nurse, caregiver, and hospital worker who cared for him walked away with one of their own.

There are silver dollars tucked in wallets and pockets all over South Texas because of him. Hold on to yours as its a way to hold on to Papo. His lesson with them was to pass the kindness on. Bless others.Its what Papo wanted.

He is preceded in death by his father, Fidel Medina, mother Amanda Casillas, and brothers, Emilio Medina and Fidel Casillas. He is survived by his baby sister, Eva Noemi Rodriguez, who he proudly raised.

Papo is also survived by his children, Ely(Desire) Medina and Kristine "Kris" Medina.

Papo is survived by his grandchildren: Nathanlel Ely Medina, Azalia Rene Ramirez, Adriane Isabella Ramirez and Joaquin Ciro Ramirez, along with his bonus grandson, Albert Esquivel.

The family would like to thank those who helped love and care for Papo including his favorite nurse, Suzette Longoria with Saenz Home Health Care, Dr. Carlos Elizondo, HarmonyCares and Harbor Care Hospice. The love and care of his neighbors is incomparable and he understood the blessing of each of you becoming family.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you instead make a donation to your favorite veterans' program.

Papo would not want us mourning over him and in black. So please bring your favorite memory or funny story of Papo and wear his favorite color, Army Green, to his service.