William Cuesta, Sr.

William "Bill" Cuesta, Sr., age 84, passed away on Thursday, August 2, 2007 after a valiant battle with prostate cancer. He was born June 25, 1923, in San Antonio, the son of Manuel and Juanita Pacheco Cuesta. Bill was preceded in death by his brothers, Manuel and John Cuesta.

A member of America's "greatest generation", Bill served in the US Army 654th Engineer Battalion Topographic in World War II. He enlisted in December 1942, and landed on the Normandy beachhead less than a month after D-Day. His unit was engaged in the Normandy, Northern France, Ardennes, Rhineland, and Central Europe Campaigns. He was honorably discharged in December 1945 as a Technical 4th Grade Sergeant, Topographic. Following his military service, Bill worked at the Defense Mapping Agency at Fort Sam Houston as a Cartographer for 30 years.

He was an avid sportsman and a skilled carpenter. During his long and healthy retirement, he spent much of his time in Rockport, Texas at the home he built with his own hands and in Houston with his grandchildren, their much loved "Popo".

He and his wife, Adeline, had several memorable trips overseas to London, Athens, Paris and Cairo. Bill loved to fish, golf, bowl, dance, laugh, and have a good time. He earned his pilot license and flew solo.

He was quick to help and slow to anger. By his example, he taught all who knew him how to live, and he will be greatly missed.

Survivors include his beloved wife, Adeline S. Cuesta; sons: William Cuesta, Jr. of San Diego, CA, Gerald Cuesta of Mobile, AL and James Eric Cuesta of Arlington, TX; daughter, Laura Dagley and husband, John, of Houston, TX; six grandchildren: Eric, John William, Molly, Parks "Sluggo", Max and Erica; and sister, Lupe Idar and husband, John M., of San Antonio; and countless friends.

The family would like to extend their gratitude to Dr. Anthony Tolcher and staff of S.T.A.R.T. for their sincere attention and care to "Mr. Cuesta" during his illness.