Javier Cena Sr.

Javier was born in Laredo, TX to Eloisa and Reymundo Cena on June 1st, 1952. He was the sixth of seven siblings. He attended Macdonell Elementary, Christen Middle School, and Martin High School, class of ‘69, from which he graduated at only 15 years old. He married Yolanda Cena on June 7th, 1971, in Laredo, TX, and together they had three beautiful children.

Javier proudly served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam era. He completed his military occupational specialty training at Fort Gordon, Georgia, where he graduated as the honor graduate of his class. He then spent three years stationed in Germany, continuing his education and earning acceptance into Officer Candidate School, where he was commissioned as an officer. During Officer Candidate School, he also completed the Airborne Course and was awarded his Airborne Medal, an achievement he was immensely proud of. Following this, he was assigned to Fort Sill, Oklahoma, where he became a Forward Observer in Artillery. After completing his active duty, he continued serving in the Army Reserves, taking command of the 850th Unit, in Laredo, TX, as well as the 961st Unit in McAllen, TX, while ultimately retiring with the rank of Major.

Upon returning to Laredo, Javier began a career in real estate before opening his own business, Union Automotive, specializing in rebuilding starters, alternators, and electrical systems. Through hard work and dedication, he built a thriving business before quietly retiring.

Javier was always an overachiever. His personal motto, coined during his Army years, was to always “Spit ’Em in the Eye and Do It Better.” That resilient spirit defined him throughout his life. He faced every challenge with determination and strength, especially in matters of health, fighting valiantly until the very end. He passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loved ones.

He will be remembered for his courage, his love of cars and slot machines, and his unwavering devotion to his family, friends, and country; a life lived with integrity, joy, and resilience.

Javier is preceded in death by his parents, Eloisa and Reymundo Cena; siblings Pedro Villa, Eloisa Spencer, Araceli Briggs, and Espidiron (Speedy) Villa; mother-in-law Armandina Lopez; father-in-law Heriberto Lopez Jr.; daughter-in-law Veronica (Ronnie) Cena; and brother-in-laws Ramiro Rodriguez, Donald Spencer, Dennis Briggs, and Richard Chase.

Javier is survived by his devoted wife of 54 years: Maria Yolanda Cena; his three children: Javier Jr., Daniel Jaime (Selina), and Amanda Jay (Brandi); sisters Dolores Chase and Leticia (Juan) Espinoza; his beloved grandson Radek B. Wychopen; and his in-laws Dora Villa, Eddie and Irma Lopez, Enrique and Priscilla Valdez, Carlos and Katherine Lopez, Malena Rodriguez, and Fernando and Cindy Lopez; along with many nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers will be Javier Cena Jr., Daniel Jaime Cena, Radek B. Wychopen, Dino Viladrosa, Jose Luis Garcia, and Guillermo Rena Herrera.

Honorary Pallbearers are Jimmy Flores, Gerardo Garza, Eduardo David Romero, Heriberto Lopez III, Carlos Alfredo Lopez, and Fernando Lopez.

A visitation will be held at Sunset Northwest Funeral Home, located at 6321 Bandera Road, San Antonio, TX 78238, on November 10, 2025, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am. A rosary will be recited at the same location at 11:00. The committal service will follow at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, 1520 Harry Wurzbach Rd, San Antonio, TX 78209, on November 10, 2025, at 1:00 pm.

The family wishes to extend their sincere thanks to Dr. R. Mangual and the staff at Laredo Veterans Clinic, Dr. C. Cigarroa and his staff in Laredo, and the many doctors and staff at Audie L. Murphy Hospital in San Antonio for their continued support and exceptional care. Lastly, heartfelt gratitude is extended to Deacon Thomas Billimek of St. George Maronite Catholic Church.