Apolonio R. Santos Sr.

With deep love and heartfelt sorrow, we announce the passing of Apolonio R. Santos Sr., who departed this life on April 29, 2025, at the age of 99. Born on September 2, 1925, in San Antonio, Texas, Apolonio lived a long and meaningful life rooted in faith, family, and service.

A proud United States Marine Corps veteran, Apolonio served his country with honor and carried the values of integrity, discipline, and strength throughout his life. Those same values shaped every role he held—as a devoted husband, loving father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and loyal friend.

He was married for an extraordinary 79 years to the love of his life, Mercedes G. Santos. Together, they built a strong and loving family, grounded in unity, tradition, and resilience.

Apolonio found joy in the simple pleasures of life—being surrounded by family, watching classic western movies, and enjoying his favorite treat, banana splits. He worked for many years at SAWS, where he was known for his strong work ethic and dependable spirit. A natural with his hands, Apolonio had a lifelong passion for mechanic work and took pride in fixing things, whether it was a car engine or something around the house. In his younger years, he lived with an adventurous spirit—always on the move, trading cars, exploring new places, and embracing life with curiosity and determination.

Apolonio's memory will forever live in the hearts of his beloved wife, Mercedes G. Santos; his children, Juan G. Santos, Maria S. Lopez, Anita S. Gomez, and Guadalupe S. Calderon; his sons-in-law, Santiago Lopez and George Calderon; his sister, Antonia S. Olveda; and his many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren who will continue to carry his legacy forward with love and pride.

He was preceded in death by his beloved son; Apolonio G. Santos Jr., daughter-in-law; Lydia Santos, his parents; Bernardo Santos and Maria Ruiz, his sister; Petra S. Hernandez, and his daughter-in-law; Yolanda D. Santos, and son-in-law; Leandro G. Gomez, and granddaughters; Debbie Ann Gomez and Stephanie Marie Kee.

He lived with quiet strength, deep faith, and unwavering love. His presence was a gift, and his memory will remain a blessing and source of inspiration to all who knew him.

A Visitation for Apolonio will be held Sunday, May 11th, 2025 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 AM the next morning at Funeraria Del Angel Trevino Funeral Home, 226 Cupples Road, San Antonio Texas 78237, with a Rosary to follow at 7:00 PM. A Processional will depart from the funeral home on Monday, May 12th, 2025 at 11:30 AM for a 12:00 PM Mass at St. Alphonsus Catholic Church, 2004 Chihuahua St, San Antonio, TX 78207, with burial to follow at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, 1520 Harry Wurzbach Rd, San Antonio, TX 78209.