CONFIRMED: Jose “Pepe” Calderón Jr., Veteran, US Navy, Vietnam Era (156-24) 2 Aug 24

When:
August 2, 2024 @ 9:00 am – 2:15 pm
2024-08-02T09:00:00-05:00
2024-08-02T14:15:00-05:00
Where:
Porter Loring Mortuaries West
1710 W Loop 1604 N
San Antonio, TX 78251
USA
CONFIRMED: Jose "Pepe" Calderón Jr., Veteran, US Navy, Vietnam Era (156-24) 2 Aug 24 @ Porter Loring Mortuaries West | San Antonio | Texas | United States

US NAVY VETERAN – VIETNAM ERA

The family of Mr. Jose “Pepe” Calderón Jr., a US Navy Veteran, requests the presence and participation of the San Antonio Patriot Guard at the services and LEO supported procession, and graveside rendering of military honors of their loved one. We are honored to accept this invitation.

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, Texas, 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, Texas, 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, Texas, 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.

WEATHER: Hi 94 / Lo 77, 0 % Chance of Rain, 93 % Humidity, Wind: 2 mph SSE

REQUESTOR: Cathy Muniz, Sister

 

STAGING: 9:00 am, Friday, August 2, 2024

Porter Loring Mortuaries West

1710 W. Loop 1604 N.
San Antonio, Texas 78251

https://goo.gl/maps/xBn3agYd9HHxB91f8

 

BRIEFING: 9:15 am

 

HONOR LINE: 9:50 am

 

**THIS IS A MOTORCYCLE ESCORT ONLY. NO CAGES PLEASE

 

KSU: 10:00 am

 

**THE CAGES WILL MEET AT THE CHURCH

 

SERVICE: 10:30 am

St. Rosa Of Lima Catholic Church

9883 Marbach Road

San Antonio, Texas 78245

https://goo.gl/maps/b5ZVGXoNdAR2

 

KSU: 11:45 am (Semper Gumby)

 

INTERMENT: 1:15 pm – Shelter #3 (Call to Verify)

Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery

1520 Harry Wurzbach Road

San Antonio, Texas 78209

https://goo.gl/maps/kQ68VALuUAptXpgS9

 

RC: Juan “Doc” Sanguino

sanguino5366@gmail.com

 

FC: Charles “Music Man” Jones

Cj083206@gmail.com

 

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