Elmer Solidum

In Loving Memory of Elmer Solidum

Elmer Solidum, aged 92, passed away peacefully on March 22, 2025, in San Antonio, Texas. A good-natured and good-humored father, grandfather and great-grandfather, he lived a full life rooted in generosity and optimism.

Born on May 15, 1932, in Watertown (now part of Honolulu), Hawaii, to Narciso Solidum and Sergia Yabo Solidum of the Philippines, Elmer grew up with a strong sense of family, or 'ohana in Hawaiian. From underdog to All-Star Quarterback, he led St. Louis School (Honolulu) to its first-ever undefeated and untied season in 1949-50. Winning the State Championship became a lifelong source of pride for him and his classmates.

Elmer served 20 years in the U.S. Army, after first being drafted in 1953 at the height of the Korean War, eventually training as a radio communicator. He went on to serve in 1st Special Forces (Japan), 5th Special Forces (Vietnam) and 8th Special Forces (Panama and South America). He returned home carrying medals, scars and stories -- each a testament to human perseverance. The courage and camaraderie of this period remained with him for the rest of his life.

A devout Catholic, Elmer lived with an abiding belief in humility and selflessness, and exemplified hope and gratitude. He lived with pono (integrity) in mind and aloha (love and kindness) in his heart.

Elmer is preceded in death by his parents, brothers James (Jimmy), Florentino (Dudong), Salvador (Sonny) and sister Georgia DeRego.

He is survived by his children: Roxanne and Elmer Jr. from his first marriage to Rebecca Repoyo, and Roma, Elisa, Louis, Yasuko and Kawika from his second marriage to Rosario Morado Solidum; sister Evelyn Au; 23 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren. They will forever cherish his love, love of others and love of music.

Rosary will be 7:00 to 9:00pm on Tuesday, April 8th, at Sunset Memorial Park & Funeral Home (1701 Austin Hwy, San Antonio, TX 78218). Visitation from 5:00 to 7:00pm.

Memorial Mass will be 11:00am to 12:00pm on Wednesday, April 9th, at St. Pius X Catholic Church (3303 Urban Crest, San Antonio TX 78209). Reception to follow.

Full Military Funeral Honors will be 2:45pm on Friday, April 11th, at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery (Shelter 4, 1520 Harry Wurzbach Rd, San Antonio, TX 78209).

A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, April 11th, beginning at 4:30pm at The Grand Event Center (6709 Northwest Loop 410, San Antonio, TX 78238) and continuing into the evening. Guests are encouraged to wear casual and colorful/aloha-style attire. Those wishing to bring a potluck side dish are warmly welcomed, though it is not required.

Flowers may be sent to the Solidum Family, c/o Sunset Memorial Park, and must arrive by 2:00pm on the day of the Rosary. In lieu of flowers, donations in Elmer’s memory may be made to the Autism Treatment Center in San Antonio at atcoftexas.org

Elmer will be deeply missed. His legacy of love, faith and resilience will live on in the hearts of all those who knew him.

A visitation for Elmer will be held Tuesday, April 8, 2025 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Sunset Funeral Home, 1701 Austin Highway, San Antonio, TX 78218. A rosary will occur Tuesday, April 8, 2025 from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM, 1701 Austin Highway, San Antonio, TX 78218. A catholic mass will occur Wednesday, April 9, 2025 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at St Pius X Parish Office, 3303 Urban Crest Dr, San Antonio, TX 78209. A full military honors will occur Friday, April 11, 2025 from 2:45 PM to 3:10 PM at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, 1520 Harry Wurzbach Rd, San Antonio, TX 78209.