Henry R. Tejada

Enrique Ramirez Tejada (Henry), a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, great-great-grandfather, brother, uncle, godfather, and friend went home to be in the presence of Jesus on Monday, August 6, 2018. He was 88 years old.

Henry was a man of many hats: farmer, musician, arranger, composer, painter, handyman, gardener, Cowboys fan and so much more. He was a devoted husband who loved surprising his wife, Georgia, with spontaneous road trips and dances in their living room, much to the delight of their children. Often he filled their home with the sounds of swing, twist, cha-cha, and jazz hits from his treasured 33s, 78s and 45s. He was a firm, yet fun-loving dad who taught his children to abide by the golden rule, to love and honor family, and to respect all. He was a quiet man with a unique sense of humor that formed the core of an incredible bond with his brothers and sister, and then his own family. A curious and inquisitive learner, he collected science fiction books, science and nature magazines, and many model airplanes and cars. He was just as at home reading the newspaper and watching television dramas as he was consuming issues of Mad Magazine and Cracked. He loved sports, but also learned to appreciate “the stories” with his wife. Above all, Henry treasured time spent with family—especially on Christmas, where he accompanied succeeding generations in musical performances—and always missed those who were far away.

A veteran of the U.S. Army, Henry served two years during the Korean War at Camp Carson, Colorado Springs.

A musician from the age of fifteen, he played both clarinet and saxophone in the Waco High School marching band, and became an avid member of a jazz aficionados group, The Downbeat Club. He continued to play sax throughout his musical career, and went on to pen arrangements for various bands—including the Cruz Ortiz Orchestra, in Waco, and Joe Arredondo and Emilio Campos in Fort Worth. This culminated with compositions for his own group, Henry and The Meltones. Over the last forty-three years, his ultimate joy was realized in service to the Lord through music ministry.

He is preceded in death by his parents Luis and Lucia; his brothers Gilbert of Fort Worth and Johnny of Waco; his daughters Teresa and Veronica; and his grandsons Eric Christopher Rivera and John Christopher Tejada.

He is survived by his wife of sixty-four years, Georgia D. Tejada; his daughters Diana Tejada-Bell (husband Martin), Sylvia Brock, Christina Medina (husband Jesse), and Rosemary Rivera (husband Santos); his sons John (wife Mary) and Enrique (wife Angie); thirteen grandchildren, nineteen great-grandchildren, three great-great-grandchildren, and his sister Andrea Aleman of Waco