OBITUARY
Emilio "Ray" Aguirre
January 7, 1929 – April 26, 2013
Emilio “Ray” Aguirre loving husband, father, grandfather and brother went to be with his Lord and Savior on April 26, 2013 at the age of 84. He is now reunited with his great love, wife of 62 years, Dolores. He was born on January 7, 1929 in Laredo, Texas. He is predeceased by his mother Jovita Santos Bonilla and sister Irma B. Yanez. He is survived by his children, Elsa A. Villalpando (Roodi), Edmund A. Aguirre (Brenda), Linda Aguirre-Pike (Greg), and Ernest A. Aguirre (Sonia); 8 grandchildren; brother, Reynaldo Aguirre (Elisa); brother-in-law; Santos Aguilar Jr.; numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives. Mr. Aguirre graduated from Sidney Lanier HS in 1946. He joined the United States Marines Corp and served as a Sergeant during the Korean Conflict where he fought in the Battle at the Chosin Reservoir. He was awarded the Purple Heart, Presidential Unit Citation award, two bronze stars; Victory Medal World War II, United Nations Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and Korean Service Medal for injuries sustained and heroic actions. He subsequently wrote about his experiences in the book, “We’ll Be Home for Christmas” published in 1959. Mr. Aguirre was also sought out as a resource by authors writing of the Korean War. As a father of four, he was a respected leader within the Loma Park community, active in youth athletics and fundraising for various causes. After his service, he became a curator for the Museum of Aerospace Medicine at Brooks Air Force Base. His painting of the first man on the moon still stands inside the historic Brooks City Base Hanger 9. His artistic talents lead him to a subsequent occupation as a medical book illustrator. As an artist, his paintings featuring the Chicano Image were chosen to represent San Antonio in our Country’s Bicentennial. In 1989, his Korean War paintings were selected by Vista Magazine for an article on “Latinos Remember the Forgotten War”. Many of his paintings were also featured in several educational books. In August of 1991, Mr. Aguirre received an award from the San Antonio Police Officers Association for leadership and giving to his community. He also gave his time as a block walker in support of various different political campaigns. He was a founder of the San Antonio Chapter of the Chosin Few and a member of the Purple Heart Association and Disabled American Veterans Association. He served as Past President of the VFW Post 9186. During his retirement he also served as a volunteer for the Memorial Detachment Service at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery. His passion for art and dedication to fellow Korean War veterans served as inspiration to design and direct the building of the Korean War Veterans Memorial that stands in front of the Municipal Auditorium, dedicated in December of 1994. In 2009, Mr. Aguirre was recognized by the Senate of the State of Texas for the Texas Community Health Network’s first annual Unsung Heroes Award. Our most sincere Thanks to Ms. Rosa Elva Hernandez (caregiver) who took such wonderful care of our Father. We would also like to Thank Dr. Laura Chiodo (VA Hospital), Dr. Carlos E. Alvarez-Meraz and Odyssey Hospice for their wonderful care and support. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his name to The Chosin Few National Association; 238 Cornwall Circle, Chalfort, PA 18914. Visitation will be at Sunset Northwest Funeral Home on Bandera Road on Wednesday, May 1, 2013 from 5:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M. with a rosary at 7:00 P.M. The procession will depart the funeral home at 11:00 A.M. Thursday, May 2, 2013 for an 11:30 A.M. funeral mass to be celebrated at St. Dominic Catholic Church, 5919 Ingram Rd with interment to follow at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery with U.S. Marines military honors.
Services
- Funeral Rosary Wednesday, May 1, 2013
- Funeral Mass Thursday, May 2, 2013
REMEMBERING
Emilio "Ray" Aguirre
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RECEIVE UPDATESDarlene Shakur
May 15, 2013
Life is given
Life is shared
Life is a memory
Emilio was a special person and human being in giving and sharing his special talent and experiences for all to memorize. Elsa, I understand the loss and pain of a father. My only comfort is that he lived a well fulfilled life and is now in a better state of mind. We love you, always Jerry & Darlene.
Darlene Shakur
May 15, 2013
Life is given
Life is shared
Life makes memories
Emilio was a special person and human being in giving and sharing his special talent and experiences for all to memorize. Elsa, I understand the loss and pain of a father. My only comfort is that he lived a well fulfilled life and is now in a better state of mind. We love you, always Jerry & Darlene.
Steve and Celeste Burton
May 7, 2013
Dearest Elsa, our sincerest condolences to you and your family on the passing of your Dad. Your Dad is now at peace and is beginning a new life with our Heavenly Father. We pray for peace, love and comfort for you and your family during this difficult time. Take care & God bless. We love you!
Kim Long
May 6, 2013
This was a man that touched many lives as he passed through this world, and as such will be a part of this world for many lifetimes. What an inspiration.
Heartfelt condolences,
SALLY DE LOS SANTOS
May 3, 2013
DEAR ELSA, LINDA, ERNEST, EDMOND, & FAMILY
I AM SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS.
I PRAY GOD WILL GIVE YOU STRENGTH. THE LOVE OF YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS LIFT YOU UP AND COMFORT YOU.
YOUR DAD WAS BLESSED WITH A LONG LIFE AND LOVING FAMILY.
TAKE PRIDE IN KNOWING YOUR FATHER WAS A HERO. OUR COUNTRY IS GRATEFUL TO HIM FOR HIS SERVICE
MAY THE MEMORIES OF HAPPY DAYS SPENT WITH YOUR DAD COMFORT YOU AND BRING YOU PEACE.
LOVE NEVER DIES.
Alvaro Vega
May 3, 2013
My utmost condolances to the Aguirre family. A real good man has passed and its hard to say good bye. My best memory of "Papo" was a christmas when I was young. I had joined the Aguirre family as they exchanged gifts. Papo suprised me with a small stuffed animal and a five dollar bill. He hugs me and and say, "everyone gets gifts here, Merry christmas." Thank you papo for everything. You will be missed.
David Alcocer
May 3, 2013
Dear Elsa,Edmund and siblings, my deepest condolences,our dads are now at rest, and free from this mortal world in which they won and lost many battles. They taught us well didn't they? One day, we will all be together, like when we were kids back in the ol' barrio. Peace to you and yours. Your friend and fellow Loma Parker. David AlcocerII
Alvaro Vega
May 3, 2013
My utmost condolences to the entire Aguirre Family. A good man has left us and it is hard to say good bye. My best memory of Emilio was a Christmas when I was a kid. I joined my the family Aguirre while they opened their gifts. "Pappo" surprised me with a small stuffed animal and a $5 dollar bill. He Hugged me and said' "everyone receives presents here." Its hard to say goodbye to good men like him. Like the entire family, I will miss him too.
Thank you for everything you have done for us pappo. God Bless.
May 2, 2013
Are prayers and condolences go out to the Aguirre Family, from Talamantez Family God Bless You
fernando duran
May 2, 2013
Edmund, my condolences to you and your family. Fernie Duran fellow Loma Parker
Jerry Martinez
May 2, 2013
God Bless. Deepest condolences to Mr.Agurre's entire family, especially Elsa, Edmund, Linda and Ernest. The good Lord has plucked another one of our Loma Park Founders,but as it was alluded to at the rosary tonite, rest assured that Mrs. Aguirre had rounded up up all the other founders for one big party in the sky.
May 2, 2013
God Bless. Deepest condolences to Mr.Agurre's entire family, especially Elsa, Edmund, Linda and Ernest. The good Lord has plucked another one of our Loma Park Founders,but as it was alluded to at the rosary tonite, rest assured that Mrs. Aguirre had rounded up up all the other founders for one big party in the sky.
May 2, 2013
My Dear Elsa, may our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ comfort you and the family on the passing of your beloved father. I'm sorry I could not be there but my heart and thoughts are with you and your family. May God Bless Your All. Love Raul Gallardo.
Hector Rivera
May 1, 2013
Comadre, our hearts & love go to you & the entire family. May God bless you all & continue to give you strength thru this difficult times. We Love you all!
Hector & Monica Rivera ( Christian & Alejandro )
Christine Garza
May 1, 2013
To the Aguirre family and my dear friend Elsa Fernandez, I extend my deepest condolences. Thankfully, the Lord has instilled a strength in your family so unshakeable that I know you will make it through this very difficult time. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
May 1, 2013
Those who bloom in the hearts of others never fade away,
May you find comfort and strength in your memories
Our families have been together since our fathers served in the Korean War and the Battle at the Chosin Reservoir. Our brothers and sisters through High School and my mom and yours at their favorite Potosimos. I never truly knew what a great man your dad was and I am glad to have known him. I realize that you have lost a special person. Please accept our deepest condolences from the Chapa Family.
Yvette Hester and Beatrice Chapa
RIP Emilio "Ray" Aguirre
SEMPER FI
Roy Rivas
April 30, 2013
Semper Fi Mr. Aguirre, job well done. God Bless all your loving family. No man loved life and family more..
Ninfa Aguirre
April 30, 2013
My condolence to the family..love u all
Sam Rocha Jr.
April 30, 2013
To the Aguirre family, my sincere condolences on your loss.Your Dad was a great person who gave a lot from his heart to everyone else,he will always be remembered that way. May his soul rest in peace.
Senator Leticia Van de Putte, R.Ph.
April 30, 2013
Please accept my deepest sympathies on the loss of your beloved. There are never any right words to express how deeply sad I am for the pain your family is enduring at this difficult time.
As Chair of the Senate Committee on Veteran Affairs and Military Installations, I am sincerely thankful for his valiant service in defense of our rights and freedom.
His commitment to family, friends, our community, and to serving our great nation leaves a wonderful legacy. May the love and the wonderful memories you shared with him help you when you need it most. He will never be forgotten, and your family will be remembered in my prayers.
Violet Grammer
April 30, 2013
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
April 30, 2013
May God be with you during this difficult time...Mark 10:27.
Jesse Rivera
April 30, 2013
To the Aguirre family Mr. Aguirre has certainly earned his wings from the Lord Jesus Christ as did your mom. Your parents gave so much to the Loma Park community that there legacy will carry on for many years. May God Bless Them and Your Entire Family. They will Truly be missed.
Clara David
April 30, 2013
We will miss your beautiful smile, kindness and respect you gave us - God and mom were waiting for you with open arms. Now you have eternal life with your beatiful wife. We love you love and give mom a big kiss for us.
Love always,
Clara, Jessice and James David
orlando garcia
April 30, 2013
Our community will miss Mr. Aguirre. He was a gentleman and a military hero who served our country. He was a great family man. He showed dignity and character. These are rare in our day and age, but not for the Aguirre family.
April 29, 2013
Uncle Raymond you are now at peace you are with my beloved Aunt Lola and the rest of the family. You will be missed but you are surround by all the people who have loved and cared for you all your life so we will one day meet on Heavens bright and remember that we love remember we care you will always be with us even though we don't see you there .
Peace out Richard,Gabriel and Vanessa Garcia
April 29, 2013
To our beloved Tio, your fun-loving nature will never be forgotten. Your presence at family gathering brought many unforgettable memories. We thank God for your long life. You are now with Tia Lola smiling down on your extended families. Rest in Peace my dear uncle Raymond. And to our cousins deepest sympathy to a truly loved father and grandfather.
Bobby, Pauline, L.B., Marissa & Charlie
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IN THE CARE OF