Ernest Medellin

Ernest Medellin, Sr., age 82, passed away peacefully November 2, 2016 in San Antonio, Texas. A devout Catholic man and active member of St. Luke's Catholic Church, he loved his family and friends. Born and raised in San Antonio, he was the second oldest of four siblings born to Guadalupe and Juliet Medellin. As a young man, he worked at the family Meat Market located in Market Square. After graduating from Tech High School, he joined the U.S. Air Force as a Medical Technician in 1953. He was stationed overseas in Germany with the 317th Tactical Hospital and was able to travel throughout Europe. He was honorably discharged in 1957. He became a professional mechanic and owned and operated Ernie's Automotive Center in Universal City for 28 years. In 1969, he met the love of his life, Valeria Cantu, at a dance and they shared a passion for dancing throughout their married life. He was an excellent dancer, cook, gardener, painter and loved to fish. He enjoyed hosting family gatherings where he displayed his cooking and dancing talents. One of the great joys of his life was spending time at his Medina Lake house which was his personal oasis. He would make barbacoa and invite friends and family to enjoy his cooking and was known to throw a good New Year's and Easter party. He was a kind and generous man who frequently helped those in need, especially with car repair. He enjoyed his travels to Alaska and visiting family located on both West and East Coast and West Texas. His final cruise was to the Virgin Islands where he and his wife, Valeria would dance until the last song. Always the comedian, he joked that he didn't have to peel potatoes as he did as an Airman on the ship U.S.S. Darby. He was preceded in death by his parents, Guadalupe and Juliet Medellin; son, Ernest Medellin, Jr. and brother, Joseph Raymond Medellin. He is survived by his loving wife of 47 years, Valeria Cantu Medellin; sons Arnold and wife Cheryl, Charles and wife Victoria and Dr. Christopher Medellin; daughters Cynthia and husband Paul Morales and Gina Buentello; sister Lupe and husband Edward Galvan, brother Roger and his wife Cathy and his best friend/brother George Wathen Jr. and wife Mary Lou; sister-in-law Gloria Medellin and 15 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren. Visitation will be on November 14th at Sunset Northwest Funeral Home beginning at 5pm with a Rosary being recited at 7pm. Funeral Mass will be on November 15th at St. Luke’s Catholic Church at 1:00pm with interment to follow at Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery.