John I. Cardenas

John I. Cardenas, born on Durango Street in San Antonio, Texas, on May 24, 1924, christened Juan Indalecio Cardenas, sadly died on Sunday, September 16, 2012 at the age of 88. John attended Central Catholic High School and studied pre-engineering at St. Mary's University in San Antonio. He then served in the Army during World War II and received an honorable discharge. In 1950, John earned his BSc in Electrical Engineering from A & I University in Kingsville, Texas. He was a licensed Professional Engineer, and a member of numerous professional associations. He was a Master Mason for 27 years with the Valley High Lodge #1407, and Sanderson Lodge #988, in Sanderson, Tx. John was married to the love of his life, Maedean Hance, born September 24, 1928, in Crowder, Oklahoma, for 52 years until her death on February 23, 2003. He is survived by his sister Virginia Cardenas of California; his son, John Dean Cardenas (Colleen); and daughters, Rita D. Gabriel (Johnny), and Karen C. Alexander (Peter); and grandchildren Kory Cardenas (Loretta), Damien Cardenas (Melissa), Kelli Rosales (Luis), Devin Gabriel (Amanda), Regan Gabriel, Christian Gabriel, Nicholas Alexander and Olivia Alexander; seven great-grandchildren and many relatives and friends who will miss him dearly. John worked as a professional engineer in industry and with the government for over 60 years, only retiring at the age of 87. He had a passion for his work, but referred to engineering as his hobby. His long and illustrious career began as a senior consulting engineer with an engineering firm in San Antonio, which led to work as a managing engineer at Lackland AFB, thereby beginning a long career with the United States government. John had two tours of duty to Germany with HQ European Security Region (USAFSS), where he was Chief of Construction Division for worldwide operations. During these assignments he traveled to 31 nations and territories. John then worked for HQ Electronic Security Command and HQ United States Air Force as Chief, Advanced Systems Branch, Directorate of Engineering and Services, Deputy Chief of Staff for Logistics and Engineering, at Kelly AFB, until his retirement from government service in May 1989. He was awarded the Medal for Exceptional Civilian Service to the Department of the Air Force. But, John didn't stop there. First, he wrote a book titled John's Little Book of Acronyms. Then, he began work as a consulting engineer with Groves & Associates Civil Engineers, where he worked for many years on major city projects. John then began a long consulting relationship with Walter Heard at the Terra Design Group working on lighting design projects, including the San Antonio Airport Entry Roadway and Monument lighting, and many other lighting projects for parks and recreation facilities across San Antonio and the State. John finally decided to retire in 2011 and had spent his time enjoying life, family, and friends. He was a humble man, in spite of his great success in life. He loved everyone in his world profoundly, and always had a smile and good cheer for all he met.

A Rosary will be held Sunday, September 23rd at 7:00pm, visitation from 6:00-9:00pm, at Sunset Northwest Funeral Home, 6123 Bandera Rd. A Mass will be held on Monday, September 24th, at11:00am, visitation 10:00-11:00am, at St. George Maronite Catholic Church, 6070 Babcock Rd. Internment following at Mission Park North Burial Park, 20900 IH 10W, near Camp Bullis. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to:

Send check to: San Antonio Professional Firefighters Assoc., Local 624, 8925 IH-10W, San Antonio, TX, 78230. Reference: In Memory of John I. Cardenas or

Send check to: The Warrior and Family Support Center, 3138 Rawley Chamber, San Antonio, TX, 78219. Reference: In Memory of John I. Cardenas"