George Contreras, lovingly nicknamed ‘Choche’ by his family and friends, was a beloved husband, father, son, brother, uncle, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend. He lived his life with a joyful heart and a servant’s spirit. He had a genuine love for His Savior Jesus Christ, and will be remembered for his warm smile, boisterous laughter, generosity, faith, and lifelong desire to make people laugh every chance he had.
George was born October 2, 1937, in Laredo, Texas, where he was raised. Standing 6 feet 2 inches tall, strikingly handsome with his signature mustache, ear-to-ear smile, and larger-than-life personality, George had a presence about him, that people remembered him and he could light up any room. George never met a stranger and had an extraordinary gift for making everyone feel welcomed, valued, and loved. He delighted in giving compliments, sharing laughter, dancing, and bringing happiness to the people around him. At his core, George loved people. He noticed them, spoke to them, encouraged them. Whether someone had known him for decades or had only just met, George had a remarkable way of making that person feel as though they mattered.
George came from an avid and talented Baseball family in Laredo and he loved cheering on the Texas Rangers which he would took his girls to go see them play during the 1970’s. That passion for sports stayed with him all of his days especially for his favorite football team the Dallas Cowboys.
In the 1950s, George proudly served his country for three years in the United States Marine Corps, with the rank of Private First Class (E3). Stationed at Camp Pendleton in California, he served as a military policeman. His military service also took him across the Pacific aboard a U.S. Navy vessel, and to the Philippines islands. As a military policeman in the Marine Corps, it gave him values of service, responsibility, and protecting others which became qualities George carried throughout the rest of his life.
Following his military service, in November 1963, George married Olga Ramirez and moved to Garland, TX. Together they welcomed their two daughters Cordelia and Laura and began a family that would grow to include 7 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren who all brought George tremendous joy.
Thanks to his brother-in-law, Pascual Valle, he began a long career with Kraft Foods, where he worked for approximately 30 years before retiring. He approached his career with the same dedication and work ethic that characterized his military service. George’s commitment to faith and service continued throughout his life.
When he moved back to Laredo in the early 2000s, George served as a Chaplain with the American Legion, offering encouragement and compassion to fellow veterans. While his grandson Cody served as a combat soldier in the Army during the Afghanistan War, George always began the veteran’s meeting with prayers of protection for his grandson and for God to bring him home safe.
In 2018, after becoming seriously ill, George moved to San Antonio, Texas, so he could be close to his oldest daughter Cordelia. It was there, at Coronado at Stone Oak, that he spent his final years being cared for by the compassionate staff who loved him so much they voted him King George in 2019 because he was so fun loving.
George also had a lifelong love of music and dancing. He was a wonderful dancer who truly came alive when the music began to play. Music brought him tremendous joy, and dancing was simply part of who he was.
George was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Linda Contreras; his parents: Eusebio “Chevo” Contreras II and Isabel Gutierrez-Contreras; his brother: Eusebio “Chevo” Contreras III; and his beloved sister: Maria Norma Contreras.
He is survived by his daughters, Cordelia Norah Contreras Wright and her husband, Terry Wayne Wright Sr.; and Laura Ann Contreras Rowe and her husband, Keith Bradley Rowe; his grandchildren, Brennan Jacob Wright; Cody Kevin Wright and his wife Jennifer Wright; Joshua Bradley Rowe and his fiancée Chandler Keenan; John Austin Lorenzo Rowe and his wife, Eve Firestone Rowe; Hannah Wright; Amelia Wright; and Terry Wayne Wright Jr. and his fiancée, Sophia Stewart; George’s great-grandchildren are Tristan Wayne Wright, Ayden Seth Wright, Brielle Wright, Brenlee Wright, Judah Mateo Mejia-Wright, and Bella Rose Wright.
He is also survived by his siblings: his sister, Irma Gaffney (widow of the late Jack Gaffney); his brother, Guadalupe Contreras, and his spouse, Bette Jean “BJ” Contreras and his sister Tonni Johnson.
He is finally survived by his beloved nieces and nephews: Kelly Contreras Harris, Eusebio “Chevo” Contreras IV, Patricia L. Contreras Espinosa, Mark Gaffney, Sara Gaffney Mahoney, Scot Gaffney, Rebecca Riggs, Tanya Kaplow, Cristina Bradley, Brian Contreras, and Melissa Stapler, as well as 20 great-nieces and great-nephews and others who loved him dearly. George’s life was one of service, joy, and devotion, and his memory will continue to bless all who knew him.
The family will receive condolences on Monday, September 7th, 2026, during the Visitation from 5:30 p.m 7pm, at Porter Loring North, 2102 North Loop 1604 North, San Antonio, Texas, 78251.
The Burial services will be held at 10:45am on Tuesday, September 8th, 2026 at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery. The procession will assemble at Porter Loring North at 9:45a.m., departing at 10am for Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery at 1520 Harry Wurzbach Road, San Antonio,78209.
Military honors will begin at 10:45 a.m. and will include the playing of Taps and the ceremonial presentation of the flag. His brother, US Marine Corps Corporal Guadalupe Contreras, a Vietnam veteran, will present the flag to the daughters on behalf of the Marine Corps.
The family wishes to express their deepest gratitude to the staff of Coronado at Stone Oak for their loving care and support for my dad for the 8 years he lived there.
Special thanks to Administrator, Price Miller, Director of Nurses, Anne Marie, His Unit Director, Nurse Annie, Nurse Lou, Nurse Sandra, Nurse Mary, Nurse Michael, Nurse Spencer, Nurse Frankie and the many others whose kindness meant so much. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for caring for our Dad in such a special and loving way. Dad is finally home now, healed and at peace.
Semper Fi.
