January 27, 1947-April 8, 2021

Alfonso Riparip Chua, Jr., was called by God on April 8, 2021, in San Antonio, TX. He was born on January 27, 1947, in Tarlac, Philippines. He is survived by Myrna Chua, his loving wife of 43 years, and his children, Justin Chua and Courtney Chua Stevens.

Alfonso possessed an incredible work ethic. He worked tirelessly as a professional civil engineer and finished his career as a vice-president at Pape-Dawson Engineers. He also loved to care for his home, where he and his family have lived since 1985. He was an avid mountain bike rider and took long bike rides to the Texas Hill Country on weekends. Alfonso was a devout Catholic and attended weekly mass at St. Francis of Assisi since the church’s founding.

Alfonso possessed a fighting spirit and was above all a devoted husband and father. He will always be remembered for his tenacity, strength, and deeply loving nature.

COL Edward J. Taylor Jr., 84, died peacefully on March 12, 2021 after a courageous battle of cancer-related illnesses complicated by COVID-19 pneumonia.

Edward J. Taylor Jr. was born to Edward J. Taylor and Lucy Woodburn in Albany, New York. He graduated from Bethlehem Central HS in 1954. He attended Cornell University in Ithica, NY, was a member of the Phi Kappa Sigma fraternity and graduated as a Distinguished Military Graduate with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Hotel Administration in 1958. In 1977, Ed received a Master of Science Degree in Business Management from Indiana State University.

COL Taylor was commissioned a Regular Army Officer in the Medical Service Corps in 1958. Upon completion of the Officer Basic Course, he was assigned to Walter Reed Army Medical Center. In 1959, he reported to Camp Wolters, Texas for Rotary Wing Training and was assigned to the 54th Medical Detachment (Helicopter Ambulance Unit) in Korea as a H-13, litter pod equipped, Medical Evacuation Pilot. He then served as an Aeromedical Evacuation Pilot with the 45th Medical Company (Air Ambulance) in Ft. Bragg, North Carolina and Schweinfurt, Germany following the Company’s deployment to Europe during the Berlin buildup.

Ed met his “Rose of San Antone,” Roswitha Erika Salmela in San Antonio and they were married at the Ft. Sam Houston Main Chapel, on July 11th, 1964, where he served with the 82nd Med Det (HA). In 1965, he was assigned to the 57th Med Det (HA), the original “DUSTOFF” unit, Saigon, Republic of Vietnam, as the Operations Officer and Medical Evacuation Pilot.

COL Taylor returned to the United States to attend the Officer Advanced Course at Ft. Sam Houston and upon completion of the course he was assigned to Ft. Benning, Georgia as Executive Officer of the 197th Armed Helicopter Company and in 1968 he returned to the Republic of Vietnam to assume command of the 82nd Med Det stationed in Soc Trang.

COL Taylor returned again to Ft. Sam Houston and then later went on to attend Command General Staff College in 1970 in Ft. Leavenworth, Kansas. He served as Aviation Officer, 7th Medical Brigade, and then the 30th Medical Group and Commander, 32nd Combat Support Hospital, Stuttgart, Germany. In 1973, he was assigned to Ft. Benjamin Harrison, Indiana, and from 1978 to 1984, served with the Combat Development, Academy of Health Sciences, Ft. Sam Houston.

In 1984, Ed returned to Europe as Senior Medical Staff Officer for the Office of the Command Surgeon, Headquarters United States European Command, in Vaihingen, Germany. While in that position, he was instrumental in medical evacuation for released hostages and the development of medical support plans for anticipated terrorist activities. Ed’s final assignment was as Product Manager for the TAMMIS Project at Ft. Sam Houston.

COL Taylor retired from his thirty years of distinguished military service on November 1, 1988. His military education includes Rotary Wing Aviation, and Command and General Staff College, as well as a Master Army Aviator with 1500 combat hours and a total of 3100 flying hours.

COL Taylor was awarded the Silver Star, Defense Superior Service Medal, Bronze Star with Oak Leaf Cluster, Meritorious Service Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters, Air Medal with 37 Oak Leaf Clusters, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry, National Defense Service Medal, and Army Service Ribbon.

He has been recognized with the Order of Military Medical Merit, the Sikorsky Aircraft “Flying S” Lifesaving Award and is a life member and past president of the DUSTOFF association.

Upon retirement from the Military, Ed joined a fellow military comrade and worked another 10 years with North American InTeleCom, as VP of Operations. He also volunteered with the Census Bureau and the Valero Texas Open for many years. Ed always enjoyed a round of golf with his buddies and joining his fellow “SOLO” Pilots for luncheons.

Ed and Rose found great enjoyment in their travels across the United States and beyond. They became frequent “Cruisers” and embarked on many adventures. They are founding members of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church where they served as RCI sponsors and the Welcoming Committee for many years. Together, they created a beautiful family and shared a loving marriage of nearly 58 years. Ed loved making memories with Rose, their daughter’s, and husbands, and five grandchildren, cruising to Caribbean ports, lounging on the beautiful beaches of Mexico, and ski trips to Colorado and Utah.

Ed will be remembered for his love of animals, intense faith, humility, honor, and love of his country and the Flag of the United States of America.

Edward J. Taylor Jr. was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Donna Collins. He is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Rose; daughters, Monica Jendrusch (Alan), and Jenine Beckel (Brad); grandchildren, Taylor and Lindsey Jendrusch, Nicole Bingham (Ryan), and Brandon and Clayton Beckel; and niece and nephew, Kimberly and Michael Collins.

The family would like to acknowledge and thank the doctors and staff at Brooke Army Medical Center for their dedication and compassionate care, VITAS Inpatient Hospice Unit for their empathy given to him during his last few days.

ROSARY:

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 21, 2021

7:00 PM

ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI CATHOLIC CHURCH

4201 DE ZAVALA ROAD

MASS:

THURSDAY, APRIL 22, 2021

11:00 AM

ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI CATHOLIC CHURCH

4201 DE ZAVALA ROAD

GRAVESIDE SERVICE WITH MILITARY HONORS:

THURSDAY, APRIL 22, 2021

1:00 PM

FT. SAM HOUSTON NATIONAL CEMETERY

If you wish to make a memorial contribution in Ed’s memory, please consider the U.S. Army Medical Museum (AMEDD) at Ft. Sam Houston; AMEDD Museum Foundation, P.O. Box 8294, San Antonio, Texas 78208 or Wildlife Rescue & Rehabilitation; P.O. Box 369, Kendalia, Texas 78027.

December 7, 1957-March 4, 2021

Michael Hotard, 63, passed away on Thursday, March 4, 2021, in San Antonio, Texas. Born in Fayetteville, NC, on December 7, 1957, to parents, Mary Elizabeth and Joseph Leonce Hotard, III. Prior to sustaining a traumatic brain injury on May 17, 2004, Mike was a General Surgeon who attended Central Catholic High School (’75) and St. Mary’s University (’79) of San Antonio, TX. In May of 1979, he was commissioned into the Army and in 1984 he obtained his medical degree from USUHS School of Medicine in Bethesda, MD.

Mike’s military service included stints throughout the U.S, as Brigade Surgeon, Emergency Room Physician, Trauma and General Surgeon and Chief General Surgeon. He also served as Trauma Team Chief during Operation Restore Hope in Mogadishu, Somalia. In 1999 Mike left the military as a Lieutenant Colonel and went into private practice as a General Surgeon in Colorado and later in Liberal, Kansas. Mike was Board Certified by the American Board of Surgery and was a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, Colorado Chapter. He was a Member of the Colorado Medical Society and the Kansas Medical Society. He was also an instructor in advanced Burn Life Support and had been published in several medical journals.

Mick, as he was known to friends and family, was an active athlete – an accomplished skier, hiker, cyclist, and rugby player. He loved rock-n-roll and was known to blast music in his operating rooms. He was a talented and accomplished surgeon as well as a wonderful father, uncle, brother, son, and friend. He was funny, outgoing, a great cook, and loved to have a good time.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Lt. Col. (Ret.) Joseph L. Hotard, III and Mary Elizabeth Poursine Hotard. Michael is survived by his daughter, Cessly M. Hotard; his former wife Angie and Dan Yaeger; his sister Mary Beth (Beth) and Daryl Manning; brothers James R. (Rick) and Nita Hotard, and Robert (Bob) J. and Cheryl Hotard; nieces Bryn Manning, Anne Marie Weldon, Christy Rosenfeld, Katie Steinhoff, Teresa Hotard, and Linden Hotard; and nephews Jeff Manning, Alex Manning, Rickey Hotard, and Graham Hotard.

The family would like to thank Mike’s caregivers who lovingly and diligently spent over 15 years taking care of him: Mary Martin, Rhoda (deceased) and Ronnie Golla, Juanita Hart, and Patricia Dominguez.

A memorial service will be held at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, 4201 De Zavala Rd. on April 19, 2021 at 11:00 AM beginning with a Rosary, immediately followed by Mass. Interment will follow at Ft. Sam National Cemetery (Family members only).

Due to safety concerns, we encourage you to join us online instead of in person. The Mass will be live-streamed at https://youtu.be/Uy6aH1F4kK4.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Brain Injury Association of America. In San Antonio, please give to the Alamo Head Injury Association.

December 13, 1942 – March 13, 2021

On Saturday, March 13, 2021, Ken Thompson transitioned from this world into his eternal rest. He was born in Brooklyn, New York, graduated from St. John’s University with a BBA and NYU with his MBA. At St. John’s he met the great love of his life and they built a future together. After living in Brooklyn as a child and young adult, he moved to New Jersey, then Pennsylvania, and finally to San Antonio in 1980. At that time, he earned another MBA at the University of the Incarnate Word. As a kid in Brooklyn, he loved to play stickball and hang out with his friends. He loved to tell stories of those early days, publishing them on the Brooklyn Board page. He was a pioneer in the utilization of computers in the 1960’s and assisted many companies in converting their business systems to digital platforms. He spent many years of his professional career at USAA working in Information Management. While his professional accomplishments were many, his wife, children, and grandchildren were the center of his world. He did all things with great love.

Ken was preceded in death by his parents, Leroy and Marion Thompson, as well as many friends.

He is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Joanne. Theirs was a love for the ages. Ken is also survived by his daughter, Kristen Williams (Keith), son, Kyle Thompson (Amy) ; sister, Virginia Jones (Bob); grandchildren: Kathryn Williams, Kenneth Logan Williams, Reagan Thompson, and Cole Thompson; and many nieces and nephews. In addition, he leaves behind a vast number of friends, including his best friend, Darrell Nichols (Linda).

Ken was always willing to help folks. For years he washed dishes on Sundays at SAMM Shelter, he bought countless winter coats for an elementary school where kids live in poverty, supported both the American Heart Association and the American Cancer Society, and St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church. He paid for field trips, shoes, and food for kids in need. He donated his time and money generously. If you are so moved, in lieu of flowers, we encourage you to do something nice in his honor. Make a donation to the American Heart Association or the American Cancer Society. Volunteer. Make amends and build a friendship. Buy food or drink for a stranger. Most importantly, love your people.

A memorial Mass will be held at St Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, 4201 De Zavala Rd. on March 20, 2021 at 11:00 AM. Due to safety concerns, we encourage you to join us online instead of in person. Services will be streamed at Ken Thompson – Funeral Mass of Memorial – YouTube Our family thanks you.

November 17, 1919-January 22, 2021

Carmen C. Paez, age 101, passed away on January 22, 2021 surrounded by her loving family. Carmen was born on November 17, 1919 in Rosita, Coahuila. Carmen was predeceased by her parents (Ambrosio and Ines Cortez), husband (Valentine Paez), and siblings (Juan Cortez, Ernest Cortez, Maria Rodriguez, and Angie Manuel).

Six months after her birth, her family moved to Eagle Pass.

During hard times a compassionate teenage Carmen would assist her father, a manual laborer, by picking crops such as cotton and spinach. She also enjoyed music and dancing and would go to the dances chaperoned by her mother.

While seeking other employment opportunities in her young adulthood, Carmen made the decision to move to San Antonio. Carmen resided in an apartment with a few siblings, during which time she began working at local retail store.

Not too long after beginning her new job, Carmen became ill, that resulted in a hospitalization. During her stay, staff responded well to her upbeat attitude and drive that provided her an opportunity to pursue a career in cosmetology.

After months of hard work, Carmen was elated to receive her cosmetologist certification in 1951, which aligned with her love of lifting others up in order to feel and look their best.

While working in the downtown area, she met Valentine B. Paez and they wed in 1951.

When their only child was born, Carmen dedicated her life to support Sylvia’s endeavors in extracurricular activities at school and pursuing her future passion to become a nurse. She took on various jobs, such as selling cosmetics and jewelry to save money for Sylvia’s college education. After her only granddaughter was born, who was so precious to her; she continued providing unwavering support and adoration as Amanda grew and pursued her own career in helping others.

Across her lifetime, Carmen remained a woman of strong faith who prayed daily. Carmen filled her home with warmth and kindness as a passionate caregiver for the children of her family. She enjoyed cooking and baking for her loved ones, especially during the holidays. She continued her love of music, working on word search puzzles, and enjoyed various books.
She is survived by her brother (Henry Cortez), daughter (Sylvia Cavazos), granddaughter (Amanda Ramirez), great granddog (Donnelly) and countless nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Pallbearers: Andy Getz, Andrew Rodriguez, Lindsay Eulenfeld, Louis H. Zavala, Nathan Miault, and Raul Cristantez.

A Mass will be celebrated at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church at a later date.

November 10, 1929-January 20, 2021

Remembered as a true gentleman and scholar, Albert P. Taylor, Jr. was born in Charleston, SC, the son of Albert P. Taylor and Dorothy Lee Gooding Taylor. He retained throughout his life a deep sense of pride and love for the city of his birth, the multi-generational home of his ancestors. Albert graduated from Clemson University in 1951 as a distinguished military graduate earning a Bachelor’s degree in Economics. He was then commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the United States Army Signal Corps. Albert then served post World War II in Germany as a Telephone and Teletypewriter Outside Plant Officer, Company A, 322d, Signal Battalion, U.S. Army Europe. Promoted to 1st Lieutenant, he was awarded the National Defense and German Occupation medals. After discharging from the service, Albert remained in Germany as a Civil Servant working in the same capacity for the U.S. Army. It was in Europe where is love for languages was fostered, speaking German, French, and Spanish fluently. Upon returning to the United States, he enrolled at Woodbury University in Los Angeles earning a Bachelor’s in Business Administration in 1959. Employed as an Accountant through the State of California Department of Corporations, he retired 34 years later as a Special Administrator of Credit Union law for state-charted credit unions. Throughout his career, he was a strong advocate of credit union philosophy which largely focused on members having a voice in membership concerns and changes within the organization. He remained a life-long connoisseur of music, history, and the arts, often playing the piano, guitar, and accordion for family and friends. In retirement, he fully enjoyed being an active participant in many conversational language classes and specialty groups, where his passion for travel and knowledge of cultural diversity remained with him throughout his life. A loving husband and father, he lived his life in a manner that will always be deeply remembered by all who knew him. Albert is survived by his loving wife of fifty-seven years, Rosemarie; his daughter, Katherine and her husband, Dale, grandchildren, Garret and Katelyn, and beloved nieces and nephews.

Memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, the Lewy Body Dementia Association, and the Arden Courts Memory Care Facility.

The funeral Mass was scheduled for 11 am on Monday, February 15 at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, but it has been postponed due to inclement weather to 11 am on Monday, March 8.

March 8, 1933-January 26, 2021

Barbara Braden, wife, mother, and grandmother, passed away peacefully on January 26, 2021. A lifelong resident of San Antonio, Barbara was born to Herman and Amanda Windlinger on March 8, 1933. She is preceded in death by her parents and siblings, Margaret Icke, Herman Windlinger, Lucille Schumann, Jerome Windlinger, and Jim Windlinger.

Barbara is survived by her husband, Virgil “Bud” Braden; children, Paul Braden (Julie), Michael Braden (Donna), and Elaine Hutzler (Michael); 10 Grandchildren, Kyle Braden, Sean Hutzler (Betsy), Derek Braden (Skye), Traci Doerre (Sean), Kevin Hutzler, Phillip Braden (Lindsay), Jason Hutzler (Ella), Todd Braden, Clayton Braden, and Bryan Hutzler (Katelyn); 6 Great Grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews, all of whom she loved deeply.

She graduated from St. Mary’s High School in 1951 and entered the workplace alongside her father at the Hermann Sons Fraternal Organization.

In June of 1956, Barbara wed the love of her life, Virgil (Bud) Braden from Rosebud, TX.

After retiring from Hermann Sons in 1996, she enjoyed traveling and volunteering her time at the Santa Rosa Hospital and various organizations within her church.

The family would like to thank the Caregivers from Adante Memory Care who have cared for Barbara for the last few years.

A celebration of her life will begin with a Visitation at St Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, 4201 De Zavala Rd. on February 12, 2021 at 10:30 am. Rosary and Remembrance Services will begin at 11:00 with the Memorial Mass to begin at 12:00. Services will also be streamed at https://www.facebook.com/sfasatx/ or https://youtube.com/c/StFrancisofAssisiCatholicChurch. Interment will be held at a later date in Holy Cross Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests a donation be made to either the San Antonio Alzheimer’s Association, https://www.alz.org/sanantonio, the Mobile Loaves & Fishes program at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, http://sfasat.org/MLF/donate.htm or the charity of your choice.

December 28, 1938-January 19, 2021

Gloria Fritchey Esquivel, born to Salvatore and Maria Guido in San Antonio, TX on December 28, 1938, went to be with the Lord on January 19, 2021. She was preceded in death by her parents, sisters Ernestine Finn, Nancy Miorelli, Rosalie Orsatti, and brother, Gene Guido. She is survived by her husband, Daniel Esquivel, and son, Pat Fritchey, sister, Frances Marotta, and many loving nieces and nephews. She was employed at Brooke Army Medical Center for approximately 40 years. She received her Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree from Southwest Texas State University, where she was a member of Phi Beta Kappa National Honor Society. She enjoyed playing bingo and trips to Las Vegas and other destinations. The family will receive friends from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm, on Monday, February 15, 2021, at Porter Loring Mortuary with a Rosary beginning at 7:00 pm.

A private interment to follow. In lieu of flowers, a memorial donation in Gloria’s name may be made to Discalced Carmelite Nuns of San Antonio (6301 Culebra Rd. San Antonio, TX 78238).

November 24, 1940-January 17, 2021

Fredrick Michael Oakes known as Mike, passed away on January 17th, 2021 at 3:15 am, the Hour of Mercy. He was 80 years old. Mike was born in Coral Ridge, Kentucky and was raised in Fairdale by parents Archie and Christine Oakes. He married his bride, Pamela Abrams, at 17 years of age. Mike and Pam celebrated their 62nd wedding anniversary on October 4th, 2020.

Mike is a proud graduate of the University of Louisville. He was an avid college sports fan. Never missed a Louisville football or basketball game. His Kentucky family members would send him articles about UofL from the Courier Journal, so he was up to date on the happenings with his team!

Mike loved his family deeply. He always embraced an opportunity to be with his four children and many grandchildren. He loved his Kentucky family and friends as well. He traveled back to Kentucky yearly to see everyone. Mike was a kind man and treated everyone with respect; always offering words of encouragement. His gentle spirit will be missed.

Mike had a long career in the insurance industry in various positions starting with Aetna Casualty & Surety and ending as a Marine Adjuster/Litigation Specialist through Crawford & Company Houston, Texas.

Mike is survived by his wife, Pamela R. Abrams Oakes; son, Michael Oakes (Jeannie); daughter, Gigi Kershner (Daniel); daughter, Maria Lisa Poole (Dana); daughter, Gina Korsi (Richard); sister, Caroline French (Larry); grandchildren: Tori Poole, Shelby Korsi Olson, Samantha Oakes, Jeremy Korsi (Kayla), Mickala “Micki” Oakes, Kyle Kershner; chosen grandchildren: Chase Kershner, Michael Devon (Haley), Patrick Devon; great-grandchildren: Evan Olson and Baylee Korsi.

Due to COVID-19, the family has elected to have a private ceremony on February 4th at Porter Loring North and the burial, February 5th at Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery. We thank you for your prayers as we lay our loving Father to rest.

November 11, 1931-December 19, 2020

Arlene Kreitz Hengst entered eternal rest December 19, 2020 at the age of 89.