Robert Ramirez Arias

Robert Ramirez Arias, age 89, passed away peacefully on Monday, June 21, 2021, surrounded by family in his final moments. Robert accredited his long life to his wife Victoria Bueno Arias, married over 61 glorious years as he would often say she always cared for him very well. An amazing husband, father, son, brother, Marine, mentor and friend to all, Roberts life is testimony to the endurance of the human spirit and to a life well-lived. His family is honored to continue his legacy of loving, sharing and caring.

Career: After graduating from Fox Tech High School in May 1949, Robert started working at Edgar Tobin Aerial Surveys as a topographic map draftsman. With the United States entry into the Korean War, Robert joined the United States Marine Corps on June 1, 1950 as he felt the call of duty to serve his country. Little did he know at that time becoming a U.S. Marine would be a defining moment in his life. After completing boot camp, the U.S. Marines deployed him to fight in the Korean War as a machine gunner. Robert was immediately thrown into combat on September 15, 1950, as part of the amphibious beach invasion at the Battle of Inchon, then again on October 26, 1950 in another beach landing at Wonsan. On November 27, 1950, after one of the bloodiest battles in U.S. Marine Corps history, Robert was captured by the North Koreans and Chinese forces at the Chosin Reservoir - Hill 1282 and became a prisoner of war (POW) until the armistice was signed July 27, 1953. He was subsequently released in mid-August 1953 after approximately 32 months as a POW, weighing less than 100 pounds. He was a member of the fraternity of the Chosin Few and the American Ex-Prisoners of War (POW). After the war, Robert returned home to San Antonio. Surprisingly, he adjusted well to civilian life, returned to work at Edgar Tobin Aerial Surveys before accepting a civil service job on October 11, 1954, where he became a cartographer for the Department of Defense (DOD) working for the Army Map Service, subsequently known as the Defense Mapping Agency at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio Texas. He attended some college at night for his job during his career. He later accepted a position with the DOD working for the Inter-American Geodetic Survey (IAGS). In that role, he was part of an effort to prepare the first detailed maps of the country of Paraguay for the IAGS as well as leading instruction in cartography to its governmental officials so they could maintain those maps into the future. Roberts last tour of duty before retirement from the DOD in 1986 was teaching cartography at the IAGS Cartographic School in the Panama Canal Zone at Fort Clayton where he became an instructor, training military and civilian personnel from Latin American and Caribbean countries. Graduating from this school was seen as a rite of passage for many up-and-coming Latin American military officers and it was common to run across senior officers - colonels and generals from South American countries who talked fondly of their time spent at Fort Clayton. A short time after his retirement from the DOD, and realizing that he wasnt ready for retirement, Robert obtained his real estate license and sold real estate for approximately another 12 years until age 67.

Personal Life: Born on October 10, 1931, in San Antonio, Texas, to Anita and Jesus Arias, Robert was instilled with a strong work ethic and sense of purpose by his parents. Growing up on the Southside of San Antonio, Robert started working at an early age selling newspapers, shining shoes and delivering groceries for Bolners Grocery and Meat Market where his father was a butcher for over 55 years while his mother oversaw their home and a family of 8 children. After having served his country, and now established with a civil service job in San Antonio, Robert met the love of his life, Victoria, who was from Laredo Texas. They married on December 6, 1959 in Laredo, then made their home in San Antonio, where their son, John, was born on November 11, 1960 and later their daughter, Diana, followed on May 4, 1964. They traveled with the family for work with the IAGS to Paraguay in the late 1960s, returning to San Antonio in the early 1970s. Upon returning stateside, Robert continued his work with the DOD, raising his children with his wife in a very loving and orderly home. Robert could often be heard to say, "Everything has a place, everything in its place." When not working, Robert enjoyed going on annual family vacations by car throughout the continental United States as well as some trips to Mexico with extended family and friends. Later in life, Robert and Victoria enjoyed visiting with friends they had made in San Antonio, during their travels, with the Chosin Few and with the American Ex-POWs. Robert believed strongly in education and always encouraged it as path forward for success. Robert also had a love for sports. He played baseball with a league when he returned from the Korean War and took up golf when stationed in Paraguay. While Robert enjoyed all sports, he particularly loved watching football and basketball, his favorite teams being the Dallas Cowboys and the San Antonio Spurs, where he is still a season ticket holder till this day and even prepaid for the 2021/2022 season. Attending Spurs games was a great joy for him as it allowed him to spend time with his wife, Victoria, his children and all his grandchildren over the years. Robert was deeply devoted to his family; he always put his wife and family first before his own needs. This devotion and commitment was something that was not lost on his family. In fact, on the eve of his passing, his oldest granddaughter Marisa reflected on how he was such a great example of a parent that she hoped her son would love her as much as his family all loved him. This reflection is a testament of a life well-lived and deep understanding of ones priorities and obligations in life. Speaking of priorities, Robert treated every day on this earth as a gift from God. Just before having major surgery in 2014, Robert seemed to be preoccupied and in deep thought. When his son asked and insisted on knowing what he was thinking about, he finally said he was reflecting that it was the 64th anniversary of him being captured as a POW in Korea. He said he was giving thanks, that by the grace of God he survived when many of who he considered the true heroes of the war gave their lives and left their blood on the battlefield. But he was able to return home and have a life, because it could have all ended at the tender age of 19 years old. Therefore, he said that if he didnt survive that surgery in 2014, he would leave it in Gods hands. He said, "Dont get me wrongDo I want another day? YES. Will I fight for another day? ABSOLUTELY! But if that is Gods will, then I accept it." As a result, the good Lord gave him just over 6 1/2 more years of life with us. In the eyes of his family, Robert is a true American Hero, who lived his life right, never asking for any recognition for what he did and always putting those around him first. He was always ready to give or do what he could for his fellow man. He was a man of faith who loved God, Country and Family. He was a man who led by example and gave thanks for every day he had on this earth. Author Hampton Sides wrote a book about the battle of the Chosin Reservoir, titled "On Desperate Ground." In the course of writing his book, Hampton interviewed survivors of that battle and became a friend of Roberts. Upon learning of Roberts death, Hampton described Robert as "a bright, kind and gentle soul." Thus, its safe to say Roberts family, friends, neighbors, co-workers and all who knew him well firmly believe he lived the motto of the U.S. Marine Corps - Semper Fidelis (Always Faithful). Robert is now resting in peace as his work here is done, his final wish for his family is that they be happy in life and strive to be the best at whatever they choose to do. He is preceded in death by both his parents, five brothers and sisters, father-in-law, mother-in-law and various other in-laws. Robert is survived by his loving wife of over 61 years, Victoria Bueno Arias; son, John Joseph Arias; daughter, Diana Jo Arias; grandchildren, Jesse Robert Arias, John Robert Arias, Marisa Elise Arias, and Shannon Marie Walton; great grandchildren, Joaquin Leon Jimenez, and Vincent Harold Guajardo; sister, Ana Hernandez; brother, Roy Ramirez Arias; and numerous sisters in-laws, a brother in-law, nieces, nephews, friends and extended family on both sides. The family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 7, 2021, at Porter Loring on McCullough.

ROSARY WEDNESDAY, JULY 7, 2021 7:00 P.M. PORTER LORING CHAPEL 1101 MCCULLOUGH AVENUE SAN ANTONIO, TX 78212 (210) 227-8221

MASS THURSDAY, JULY 8, 2021 11:00AM OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE CATHOLIC CHURCH 13715 RIGGS RD., HELOTES, TX 78203 (210) 695-8791

Interment will be in Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia on Thanksgiving week Monday, November 22, 2021, at 8:45 a.m. by invitation only due to limited capacity as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Please contact John Arias at 210-379-5317 for availability. Also, be advised that there will be a LIVE STREAM of the Interment for those unable to attend in person. The link will appear below on this site to launch it from here when available and ready.

Porter Loring Mortuary did some research into a step-by-step guide for the guests attending services for Robert R. Arias. The cemetery has a lot of information on their website but the most helpful link they found has been the link attached below.

Arlington National Cemetery

Please see page 2, section 7. A . This has the procedures for how and where to enter for a services in the Post Chapel. There is also an App that you and others can download on your smart phone that may help with any further questions or navigation of the cemetery. If you need additional information about Arlington National Cemetery please call 1-(877)-907-8585.

Following is the itinerary for the services on Monday, Nov 22, 2021, at 8:45am.

The services will consist of the following:

Chapel Service at Old Post Chapel at Fort Myer. Military Catholic Chaplain, USMC Pallbearers USMC Firing Party USMC Pall Bearers USMC Band USMC Escort Unit Caisson

All family and guests are to meet at the Old Post Chapel at Fort Myer 45 mins prior to service. As of the ceremony date, all Covid restrictions are in place and all Guests must wear masks.

All Guests aged 16 yrs. old or older must have a state issued ID to be allowed onto the property. All guests must provide their own transportation.

Information regarding air travel and hotel to Arlington National Cemetery:

For the best rates in air travel, please google such from your destination to Dulles & Reagan airports. We booked the Crystal Gateway Marriott Hotel in Arlington VA which is 1.6 miles from the event. You may view a live stream below:

Final Video of Arlington National Cemetery Service:

https://vimeo.com/651821568/0ba4caa6d4

San Antonio Services Live Stream: