Andy graduated from Burbank High School, Class of 1962, and continued his education at Texas Western College in El Paso before attending San Antonio College.
He honorably served his country in the United States Air Force, beginning with Active Duty from 1964 to 1968. He was assigned to Biggs Air Force Base in El Paso and later Dyess Air Force Base in Abilene, before deploying to Vietnam, where he served at Bien Hoa Air Base from 1966 to 1967.
In 1974, Andy answered the call to serve once again, joining the U.S. Air Force Reserves with the 433rd Tactical Airlift Wing. Initially serving as an Aerial Port Specialist, he later transitioned to the Operations Group as a C-130 Loadmaster, flying numerous missions, including MAFFS airborne firefighting operations. When the unit transitioned to the C-5A aircraft, Andy volunteered to fly on the very first mission as a Load Master. He concluded his distinguished military career as an Aerial Port Supervisor, retiring as Chief Master Sergeant/Superintendent of the 26th Aerial Port Squadron.
Alongside his military service, Andy proudly served the San Antonio Police Department from 1969 until his retirement in 1996, working in specialized assignments including the Patrol-Felony Squad and Crime Task Force.
Andy was deeply committed to his community and professional organizations. He served as Vice President of the San Antonio Hispanic Police Officers Association, President of the Alamo Chapter of the Professional Loadmaster Association and was a Board Member of the Troop Carrier/Tactical Airlift Association. He was a proud member of VFW Post 76, the oldest post in Texas, and an active member of the Pushrods Car Club.
Andy will be remembered for his unwavering dedication to service, his leadership, and his deep love for his country, community, and fellow servicemen and women.
Andres is survived by his loving wife, Norma Jean Vaquera, and his children: sons Andrew T. Vaquera, Michael Vaquera, and Stephen Vaquera; and daughters Jennifer Vaquera Vaughn, Elaine Sanchez, and Kelly Navarro. He also leaves behind 15 cherished grandchildren: Rebecca, Jean, Alyssa, Jailyn, Jiliana, Sophia, Sara, Robert, Jeremiah, Kayla, Victoria, Courtney, Zachary, Jax, and Anslee as well as two great-grandchildren, Mason and McKenna. He was preceded in death by his parents, Eloisa Garcia and Andrew Vaquera.
The family will receive guests from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., Monday, February 2, 2026, at Porter Loring Mortuary West, with a rosary to follow at 7:00 p.m.
A Funeral Mass will take place on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Anthony Mary Claret Catholic Church with a committal service to follow at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery at 1:00 p.m.
