CONFIRMED: Gene DeLao, Veteran, US Army, Vietnam (149-25) 15 Aug 25
2102 N Loop 1604 E
San Antonio, TX 78232
USA
US ARMY VETERAN – VIETNAM WAR
The family of Mr. Gene DeLao, a US Army Veteran, requests the presence and participation of the San Antonio Patriot Guard at the services, and the LEO supported procession, and graveside rendering of military honors of their loved one. We are honored to accept this invitation.
Gene DeLao, age 77, peacefully went to be with his Lord and Savior surrounded by family and friends by his side on July 14, 2025. Gene was a caring son, husband, father, grandfather and most recent great-grandfather and devoted friend to all.
Gene was born in San Antonio, Texas to David and Hortense DeLao on November 16, 1947.
Immediately following high school at Highlands High School, Gene enlisted into the U.S. Army. After his due diligent years of service, he worked hard as a truck driver for Merchant’s Truck Company. He put in long hours and traveled throughout San Antonio. Before his retirement from Merchant’s, he got married to his love Sylvia Valdez. They started a family with her two girls, Melissa Bujanos and Rebecca Tinch.
Gene and Sylvia purchased land in Boerne, Texas. With the help of family and friends, Gene built a small cabin-like home for them to stay in while he cleared land to build a home. They stayed in this home on the weekends while clearing trees and brush with his bare hands. He was determined to do as much work as his body would allow.
Once he retired from Merchant’s, he soon recognized that he was not quite ready to retire. He diligently began work at the US Postal Service working in a couple of different positions. Years came and went for him at the USPS and finally made the decision to fully retire.
A new chapter in his life began, he became a grandfather. Gene was a loving and dedicated grandfather to his three grandchildren (Jordyn Burns, Roger Allen Bujanos and Michael Tinch). He would take them on vacations, play games, laugh and show them the meaning of family and hard work.
At the age of 77, Gene was living life to his fullest when he was awakened by a new chapter he never expected. He became a great grandfather to Emiko Skye Burns. Seeing the excitement and pride in his eyes gave him a newfound boost of energy until his last days.
Gene is survived by his beautiful wife Sylvia, his children Melissa (Roger) and Rebecca; his three grandchildren Jordyn Burns (Dylan), Roger Allen Bujanos (Whitney) and Michael Tinch and one great granddaughter (Emiko Skye): his 4 brothers and 3 sisters and numerous nieces and nephews.
WEATHER: Hi 97 / Lo 78, 0 % Chance of Rain, 84 % Humidity, Wind: 6 mph SSE
REQUESTOR: Rashell Groomer, Family SPOX
STAGING: 9:30 am, Friday, August 15, 2025
Porter Loring Mortuaries North
2102 N Loop-1604E
San Antonio, Texas 78232
https://goo.gl/maps/QqJh7Wi49EGft5Zh9
BRIEFING: 9:45 am
HONOR LINE: 10:20 am
**THIS IS A MOTORCYCLE ESCORT ONLY. NO CAGES PLEASE
KSU: 10:30 am (Semper Gumby)
**THE CAGES WILL MEET AT THE SHELTER IN FORT SAM HOUSTON NATIONAL CEMETERY
INTERMENT: 11:15 am – Shelter #2 (Call to Verify)
Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery
1520 Harry Wurzbach Road
San Antonio, Texas 78209
https://goo.gl/maps/kQ68VALuUAptXpgS9
RC: Juan “Mr. T” Tarango
juantarango16@yahoo.com
FC: Rich “Richie Rich” Pachecano
rich@pachecano.net
ADDITIONAL INSTRUCTIONS
1. Iron horses if you can, cages are always welcome and appreciated and unless under special circumstances not allowed in processions. You do not have to have a motorcycle to participate in honoring our veterans.
2. Safety First: Please remember to properly hydrate (including the night before) before any outdoor activity and to dress appropriately. Do not hesitate to take a break at any time if you feel you need to get in the shade or get indoors and always ask for help at any time. Also please do not forget your sun screen.
3. Please remember that our mission is to stand tall and silent, and with honor and. NO TALKING, SMOKING, CHEWING OF TOBACCO PRODUCTS, OR CELL PHONE USE IN THE FLAG LINE!
***Safety Notice***
Before volunteering and/or attending any San Antonio Patriot Guard Riders missions we encourage you to review all safety information below. Included are some potential safety concerns to be aware of, however this does not include the full scope of all potential hazards. Anyone attending any San Antonio Patriot Guard Riders mission understands that they do so at their own risk. Neither the Patriot Guard Riders Organization nor its representatives are liable for any damages incurred on any PGR mission or event.
Funeral Processions/Escorts
EVERY RIDER IS SOLELY RESPONSIBLE for their own safety at all times while riding in a funeral procession.
At NO TIME are any riders authorized to block any intersection or otherwise block or impede traffic laws in any way. Only Law Enforcement officials are authorized to block and/or impeded the lawful flow of traffic.
If you choose to fly a Flag on your bike you are SOLELY RESPONSIBLE for ensuring it is secured and not a danger to any other rider or traffic.
Warm Regards,
Bob “Pizza Man” Johnson
Asst. State Captain
Deputy State Captain
San Antonio Patriot Guard
Dignity, Honor, Respect
Cell: 562-413-2223
“We can’t all be heroes. Some of us get to stand on the curb and clap as they go by.”
Will Rogers