FRED F. FELAN (PICO), age 99, was called home by the Lord on April 10, 2018. He was born in San Antonio, Texas on July 15, 1918 to Anastacio Felan and Antonia Faz Felan. He is survived by his wife of 73 years, Anita Molina Felan; daughters Sylvia Acosta, husband Mario, Janie Morales, husband Eduardo; 5 grandchildren and spouses, Roxanne Burrage (Joe), Donna Arrick (Gene), Edward Morales (Alma), Vincent Morales (Maricela), and Daniel Morales (AnaMaria); 9 great-grandchildren: Alexandria Morales, Stone Garcia, Connor, Camryn, and Caitlin Burrage, and Gabriella, Daniel, Juan Diego, and Lilliana Morales. He is also survived by his sister, Hortensia De La Rosa and numerous nieces and nephews.
Fred was a World War II Army veteran serving in active duty from 1942-1946. A member of the 90th Division, Company G 358th Combat Infantry Regiment, he served as squad leader and achieved the rank of Technical Sergeant. His unit was engaged in the D-Day Invasion on the beaches of Normandy, France. Wounded in battle, Fred was awarded the Purple Heart and the World War II Victory Medal. He earned the Good Conduct Medal and Expert Marksman Rifle & Bayonet Medals. In November, 2014, the French Consulate awarded him the distinguished Legion of Honor Medal, a distinction given to veterans who fought in campaigns for the liberation of France.
He enjoyed a 25- year career in Civil Service, employed as an aircraft mechanic and aircraft instrument technician at Kelly Field Air Force Base.
Fred enjoyed playing baseball, camping, various outdoor and indoor games, gambling in Las Vegas, and traveling. He always looked forward to baseball, football, and basketball seasons. He was an avid fan of the Houston Astros, the Texas Rangers, the Dallas Cowboys, and the San Antonio Spurs. His hobbies included photography, woodworking, and watch repair. He developed a love of reading and became self-educated in various life skills.
Visitation is scheduled at Sunset Northwest Funeral Home, 6321 Bandera Road, on Sunday, April 29, 2018 from 6:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M. with a rosary at 7:00 P.M. A funeral mass will be celebrated on Monday, April 30, 2018, at 12:30 P.M. at St. Brigid Catholic Church, 6907 Kitchener Road. Interment will follow at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery with full U.S. Army Military Honors.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Disabled American Veterans (DAV).
