Jose Calderon, Jr.

It is with profound sadness and a deep sense of loss that we announce the passing of Jose "Pepe" Calderón Jr., who left this Earth for his eternal resting place on July 12, 2024, at the age of 69. He was embraced by the love of his family during his passing in San Antonio, TX, after a courageous battle with cancer.

A true family man, Pepe is survived by his beloved wife of 44 years, Patricia "Patsy" Calderón, and their three loving children: Mirea Calderón Villarreal, Jose "Pepe" Calderón, and Amanda Calderón; and his daughter-in-law, Sylvia Calderón. The title of "Grandpa" was one Pepe wore like a badge of honor. He leaves behind four treasured grandchildren, Lumen Villarreal, Lucas Calderón, Reyna Calderón, and Lana Gonzales, who will miss their grandfather's playful spirit and boundless love.

Pepe was born on December 17, 1954, in Del Rio, TX, to his late parents, Jose and Aurea Calderón. In addition to his immediate family, Pepe is survived by his siblings, Catalina Calderón Muñiz (Leroy), Nicolas Calderón (Mary Ester), Gerardo Calderón, Leonor Calderón, Robert “Bubba” Calderón (Marcy), and Cesar Calderón. He was also the fun-loving uncle to many nieces and nephews who will miss his spirited presence.

Along with his parents, Pepe was preceded in death by his younger brother, Robert “Bobby” Calderón, and his son-in-law, Juan Pablo Villarreal.

Raised in Del Rio, TX, Pepe attended San Felipe High School, and the school's colors of purple and gold became a lifelong symbol of pride for him. He graduated from Del Rio High in 1972, following the consolidation of schools, carrying with him not just a diploma but a lifetime of memories playing with the marching band. Pepe played in the Junior and High School Band and was renowned for being the youngest tympani player highlighted by the San Felipe High School Band while still in Junior High. Pepe's performances were unforgettable, as he marched on the field behind his tympani, playing loud and proud for all who watched him play.

Following a calling to serve his country, Pepe enlisted in the United States Navy, a decision that instilled in him a sense of pride and patriotism which he carried throughout his life. Following his military service, he continued his dedication to his country through a fulfilling career in civil service at Fort Sam Houston, where his analytical mind and intelligent approach to problem-solving made him a respected and valued team member until his retirement. Pepe's involvement with the veterans service organization, American Legion Post 460, was a testament to his enduring camaraderie with fellow service members and his desire to provide unwavering support to fellow veterans.

Music was the heartbeat of Pepe's life, beginning at an early age while playing in his father’s band. A drummer all his life, he found pure joy in the rhythms he created and the melodies he accompanied. His passion for music was matched only by his love for the open road, as he often took to the highways on one of his many cherished Harley Davidson motorcycles, completely captivated by the freedom and peacefulness of the journey.

An enthusiast of all things food, Pepe never passed up the chance to fire up the grill and indulge in his favorite pastime of BBQ cookouts while jamming to his favorite music in his “cantina” and sharing his much-celebrated cooking with family and friends. Famous for his clever “dad jokes”, he always had a quip ready to lighten the mood and bring a smile to anyone's face.

Pepe's family extends their heartfelt thanks to the community for the outpouring of love and support during this time. As we bid farewell to Jose "Pepe" Calderón Jr., we do so with hearts full of gratitude for the time we had with him, and a tremendous amount of respect for the bravery he showed in his last year.

Although he has laid down his drumsticks and parked his motorcycle for the last time, his story does not end here. The memories of his unique spirit will eternally live on in the stories we share, the music that moves us, and in the flavors that remind us of his legendary cooking. Pepe's legacy is a reminder to laugh often, live passionately, and love without reservation.

The immediate family will receive family and friends at 6:00 p.m., Thursday, August 1, 2024, at Porter Loring Mortuary West.

ROSARYTHURSDAY, AUGUST 1, 20247:00 PMPOTER LORING MORTUARY WEST1710 W. LOOP 1604 N. SAN ANTONIO, TX. 78251(Near SeaWorld)

PROCESSIONFRIDAY, AUGUST 2, 202410:00 AMPORTER LORING MORTUARY WEST1710 W. LOOP 1604 N. SAN ANTONIO, TX. 78251

MASSFRIDAY, AUGUST 2, 202410:30 AMST. ROSE OF LIMA CATHOLIC CHURCH9833 MARBACH RD, SAN ANTONIO, TX. 78245

BURIALFRIDAY, AUGUST 2, 20241:15 PMFORT SAM HOUSTON NATIONAL CEMETERY1520 HARRY WURZBACH RD, SAN ANTONIO, TX. 78209

RECEPTIONFRIDAY, AUGUST 2, 20242:30 PMPORTER LORING MORTUARY WEST1710 W. LOOP 1604 N. SAN ANTONIO, TX. 78251