Domingo C. Marquez

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Domingo Cerda (Sandy, D.C) Marquez peacefully passed into eternal rest at 10:20 PM, the 2nd week in April 2020 in Houston, Tx at the age of 89. The last words he heard were those of his ever-devoted wife, saying she would always love him.

He is survived by his loving and loyal wife of 68 years, Beatrice Arriaga Marquez. They were married in Houston, Tx on January 20, 1952.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Bernardo Marquez and Maria Balderoma Cerda Marquez, siblings, Robert Cerda Marquez, John Cerda Marquez, his beloved son, David Anthony Marquez, his brothers in law, Jerry Stafford and Manuel Arriaga, and his nephew, Robert Marquez, Jr.

He will be lovingly remembered and is survived by his children, Robert J. Marquez, Beatrice Ann Marquez, (Deborah), Patricia Romano (Robert), daughter-in law Cindy (Fernandez) Marquez, his adoring grandchildren, Sabrina L. Morales, R.N. (John), Robert J. Marquez, Staff Sergeant USMC Retired (Yvette), LCDR Victor L. Marquez, U.S. Navy, Jennifer McLean-Levine (Mike), Michael McLean, Jon Marquez, step grandchildren, Daniel Silber, Michelle Silber, Nicholas Romano, Michael Romano, his great-grandchildren, Nicholaus, Anthony, Santiago, David, Madelyn, Lucas, his sister, Lucy Stafford, many first cousins, nephews and nieces he loved very much.

Domingo was born in Houston, Texas’ historical 5th Ward in May of 1930. He took great pride in calling 5th Ward his home and never forgot his humble beginnings and roots. He was a first generation American born to parents from Mexico who instilled a strong work ethic and the importance of education. His mother volunteered and participated in his early grade school years and was involved in programs at the Methodist John Wesley House. Sandy (Domingo), as he was affectionately called by his family and friends, sold old newspapers to earn money during the WWII paper drives with other 5th Ward boys. Domingo never forgot those years and would later become a Board Member of Wesley House. He wanted to give back to the organization that had helped him and his community way back then. Later in his teen years, Domingo proudly graduated from Jeff Davis High School in 1948 in Houston and proclaimed himself a proud Jeff Davis Panther and ALUM.

A true patriot with a huge love for his country, Domingo joined the United States Air Force immediately following high school. During the Korean War, he served three years in the frigid cold of the Aleutian Islands in Alaska as the airport central operator. Domingo would often mention his time in the Air Force and would fondly recall his Alaskan experiences throughout this life. Being in the military afforded him to serve the country that he loved so well and send money back home to his family. Upon meeting a United States Marine (on base) who was from his hometown, Domingo asked if a Bea Arriaga was married. Domingo hadn’t seen Bea in a few years and knew of her because of his friendship with her brother. The Marine shared she wasn’t married, prompting his returning to Houston with an Honorable Discharge in September of ’51 and marrying the love of his life.

After serving his country, marrying Beatrice, and while raising a family and working full time, Domingo attended the University of Houston in the evenings. A VERY PROUD COUGAR, Domingo completed his Bachelor of Business Administration degree in 1966. He worked as an auditor for Sinclair Oil Corporation, later to become Atlantic Richfield Oil Company in Pasadena, Texas until his retirement after 20 years. After working at the chemical plant, Domingo went to work at Forest Park Lawndale in the pre-need division and quickly found himself assisting Veterans with burials, helping families obtain their loved one’s paperwork for honors and other benefits. The then present employer supported his honoring Veterans on Veteran holidays to memorialize all Veterans, POWs, and MIAs, through significant and detailed ceremonies. Domingo retired with over 13 years of service at Service Corporation International but his passion to help Americans to “NEVER FORGET” never ceased.

Domingo’s dedicated passion to help the American G.I, male and female, continued with his co-founding the Gathering of Eagles Houston with fellow Comrades Dr. Elias Sanchez, Richard Perez (Deceased), and Doc Brown to promote patriotism and to provide resources, and much more. Domingo was also a proud member of the American G.I. Forum and collaborated with the Houston Buffalo Soldiers.

He was a self-trained historian and respectful curator of veterans’ personal sacred stories. He could recall specific wars, battles, dates, Purple Heart recipients, Hometown Hero’s, heroes who never made it back home, and the leaders who led their men into these campaigns. He especially held dear those who bravely served in WWII, specifically the Pacific theater. Many of his uncles enlisted in the war and mercifully returned to Texas. One of the highlights of his life was when his son David treated maternal grandfather Papa Joe (Guiterrez) and Domingo to a trip to the Philippines where Papa Joe (Squad Leader) fought in the Battle of Leyte and helped liberate the Philippines.

Domingo lived a good life despite encountering injustices. He fought racism with other grassroots organizers to create opportunities for minorities of every color and creed. He was honored to work alongside his wife in support of persons who answered the call to bring about social change during the years of 1950 – 1970 in Houston. Domingo had a great opportunity to continue supporting Hispanic and other minority children through his work as a substitute teacher for the Klein Independent School District. He loved working with children of all ages, grades, classes, especially the ESL classes until his very early 80’s. They loved him too.

The Family expresses great thanks to the Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital ER Staff of Dr. Ho (Liz and Charge Nurse) who went above and beyond to phone Beatrice to share her last loving words with her husband via a phone call. A lovingly special thanks to those who added many years to Domingo’s life through their outstanding care. Doctors M. Hanif, I. Poonawala and office staff became family to Domingo and Beatrice over 10 years ago.

In lieu of flowers, we respectfully request that any donations be made to the following. These organizations were deeply cherished by Domingo C. Marquez. Fittingly, these organizations are providing much needed supplies for families during these unprecedented times.

Wesley Community Center https://wesleyhousehouston.org/donate/

Gathering of Eagles Houston http://goehouston.com/donation/

American G.I. Forum #372, 9003 Arlington Forest Drive, Houston, TX 77088, payable by check, c/o John Aleman (USAF Captain), Treasurer

Houston Buffalo Soldier National Museum http://buffalosoldiermuseum.com/give/donations