Carlos R. Ramirez

Our dearly loved Carlos R. Ramirez was called to the Kingdom of Heaven by our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, at the age of 81 to receive God’s promise of eternal life. He was born on Sunday, November 5, 1944, to his wonderful parents, Alberta Ruiz and Marcos Ramirez. Carlos peacefully entered rest on Friday afternoon, on March 6, 2026, surrounded by his wife, daughter, son, and family. Carlos, a faithful Christian, was a highly respected United States Postal Service employee with 37 years of dedicated service, a proud United States Marine Corps Sergeant, and Vietnam veteran, honored as a two-time Purple Heart recipient who served his country valiantly. He was a devoted husband, loving father, cherished grandfather, admired great grandfather, caring brother, trusted friend, and amazing mentor.

Carlos is preceded in death by his parents Alberta and Marcos Ramirez; his brother Francisco Ramirez; his sisters Andrea Almeria, Maria Martinez, Enriqueta Camarena, Isabel Jaramillo and Piedad Lona.

Carlos was a kind, humble, and caring individual who will be truly missed, especially by his loving wife Maria Luisa Ruiz Ramirez; devoted daughter Diana Ramirez Godines; two proud sons Michael Ramirez and William Robert Ramirez (Jeana), his loyal brother Anastacio “Tacho” Ramirez (Kookie), and his supportive sister Carmen Dominguez. As a beloved grandfather, Carlos was also admired by nine wonderful grandchildren Michael Ramirez Junior, Monica Ramirez, Thomas Ramirez, Nicholas Ramirez, Xavier Ramirez, Neveah Ramirez, Jemma-Leigh Ramirez, Jori-Anne Ramirez, and Samuel Franco Godines. Great Grandpa Carlos also idolized his five beautiful great grandchildren Leah Ramirez, Miguel Ramirez, Jaylynn Zuniga, Meleanah Zuniga and Richard Zuniga Junior, plus numerous nephews and nieces.

The Ramirez family extends a grateful appreciation to the multitude of friends, neighbors, and family members for their continued prayers, visits and unconditional support during this difficult time, especially the last few months. Special thanks to Carlos’ doctors, specialists, and nurses to include Methodist Hospital personnel. Their constant support, heartfelt love and superb dedication to the medical care of our loved one made our situation easier to manage. We are eternally thankful for their care and attention. May God bless each one of you.

After three years at Edgewood High School in San Antonio, Texas, Carlos, a 17-year-old teenager anxious to make his mark in life and with a required signed permission form from his parents, decided to serve his country by enlisting in the United States Marine Corps on August 1st, 1962 as an M-60 Machine Gunner. Upon graduation from basic training in San Diego, California, he was assigned to the First Marine Brigade, Marine Corps Air Station, in Kaneohe Bay in Oahu, Hawaii to learn guerrilla warfare training. Carlos transferred to the Third Division, Third Battalion, First Marines stationed in Okinawa, Japan. On the way there, Carlos was initiated into the Sacred Order of the Golden Dragon on the 26th day of March of 1964, which is an unofficial United States Navy and Coast Guard certificate awarded to military members who cross the International Date Line, often involving initiation ceremonies. It is a Maritime tradition recognizing the crossing of the 180-Degree Meridian of Longitude that zigzags from the North Pole to the South Pole that separates two consecutive calendar days. He returned to San Diego in January of 1965 for Special Weapons and Marksmanship instruction. Afterwards, he reported to his unit and deployed to Da Nang Air Base, Republic of Vietnam. During late February and early March of 1966, Quang Ngai Province was a major theater of operations, characterized by intensive search-and-destroy missions against Viet Cong and North Vietnamese Army forces. Combat operations included the tail-end of Operation Double Eagle, which ended in February to early March of 1966 and the start of Operation Utah, March 4-7, 1966. It was during this time that Sergeant Carlos Ramirez received wounds to his leg, neck, and shoulder. For wounds received in combat action against hostile enemy forces during combat operations on February 23, 1966 through March 5, 1966 and in support of the forces of the Republic of Vietnam in their struggle with the insurgent Communist (Viet Cong) forces, Sergeant Carlos Ruiz Ramirez was awarded his first Purple Heart medal and a Gold Star device representing a second Purple Heart award. After serving six years of military service, he received an Honorable Discharge on May 21, 1968 and returned home. His awards include the Purple Heart medal with Gold Star device, Good Conduct medal with one Bronze Star, National Defense Service medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary medal, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit citation, Republic of Vietnam Service medal, and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign medal.

Carlos returned home from his military services and worked as a truck driver in San Antonio and around the city for a few years before starting at the Post Office in 1971. He worked at the Post Office for 37 years and retired in 2004. His postal career consisted of him being a mail clerk and a valued employee. In retirement, Carlos enjoyed sitting in his “Man-Cave” in the garage and smoking cigars. He liked watching his shows and enjoying the peace of doing whatever he wanted. Cheering on his Dallas Cowboys and supporting the San Antonio Spurs with his kids and grandkids were a few of his favorite past times. The love he had for his wife, Maria R. Ramirez, for 48 years, was a devotion that was unmatched. Carlos and Maria traveled together with their compadres in their retired years; to the casino, on a cruise, to the beach and more. Carlos and Maria were always side by side through the 48 years and even in the end, he always wanted Maria near. As a father to his children, he was stern and kind. He doted on his grandkids and enjoyed every moment of family time.

We thank and praise our Lord, Jesus Christ, for the many blessings He has bestowed upon us throughout Carlos’ life. We will treasure his memory forever. Thank you for your service, Sir! Semper Fi! God bless you. Rest in Eternal Peace!

Note to all: Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery only allows three flower arrangements to remain with the servicemember after services; therefore, in lieu of sending floral arrangements or plants, the family of Carlos R. Ramirez recommends a monetary donation be sent in his Honor and Memory to one of the following organizations honoring veterans and supporting mental health:

Texvet.org: Texvet is a Texas-based information clearinghouse that connects service members, veterans, and their families with vetted resources, services, and support, including mental health support, state and federal benefits, and employment education.

woundedwarriorproject.org: Nonprofit organization dedicated to the well-being of veterans and service members who sustained physical injuries or mental injuries on or after September 11, 2001.

foundation.pbs.org: Nonprofit organization dedicated to providing educational content for children, as well as arts, culture, and journalism to all.

The family will receive guests from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m., Monday, March 23, 2026, at Porter Loring Mortuary West, with a rosary to follow at 6:00 p.m.

A final viewing will take place from 8:30 to 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at Porter Loring Mortuary West.

A procession will follow to depart for a Funeral Service at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at Prince of Peace Catholic Church, 7893 Grissom Road, San Antonio, TX 78251.

A Committal Service will follow at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery (Gazebo #2), 1520 Harry Wurzbach Road, San Antonio, TX 78209.