Christopher James Parra
November 13, 1984 – January 26, 2021
The world has lost a great man. Christopher James Parra was born on Nov. 13, 1984 at Lackland AFB, TX to Fernando Parra and Valeri (Parra) Escobedo. He passed away suddenly Jan. 26, 2021 at his home in Spring Branch, TX.
He is survived and will be deeply missed by his loving and supportive wife of 15 years, Carrie (Weber) Parra and their children, Christopher, Caeli, Caleb, Catherine and Conrad (CJ), parents Fernando Parra, Valeri Escobedo and Stephen Escobedo, brother Michael Parra and family, grandparents Richard and Sandy Dunsmore, Kenneth and Bonnie Hall and Frank Escobedo. He is preceded in death by grandmothers Lucy Parra and Mildred Escobedo.
Chris had a servant’s heart from a young age and spent countless hours of community service in high school. After graduating from Judson High School he enlisted into the Untied States Marine Corps. Shortly after boot camp he married his sweetheart on Dec. 19, 2005 in Pipe Creek, TX. He served 9 years as an Infantryman and Arabic Linguist with three combat tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. He was honorably discharged at the rank of Sergeant in 2014 leaving behind a legacy of mentorship and sacrifice.
Returning home to Converse, TX he attended AACOG Law Enforcement Academy. He joined the Comal County Sheriff’s Office in July of 2015. He started as a patrol officer on Delta Nights. He was promoted to Detective in the fall of 2019. He worked tirelessly to train new officers and further his own education. He graduated from San Antonio College in Dec. 2020 with an Associates Degree in Criminal Justice.
He is remembered by the citizens he served as being kind and professional, leaving each person feeling a little safer than before. His fellow deputies greatly mourn his loss and will miss his wit and sense of humor that could make anyone smile usually when they needed it most.
In his spare time he enjoyed beekeeping, being ham radio operator (W5DTP), teaching faith formation at church and learning new homestead skills with his large family on their little patch of dirt. His children particularly loved grabbing a root beer and spending one on one time with him. His love of faith, family and innate ability to teach and inspire will live in our hearts forever.
The world has lost a great man. Christopher James Parra was born on Nov. 13, 1984 at Lackland AFB, TX to Fernando Parra and Valeri (Parra) Escobedo. He passed away suddenly Jan. 26, 2021 at his home in Spring Branch, TX.
He is survived and will be deeply missed by his loving and supportive wife of 15 years, Carrie (Weber) Parra and their children, Christopher, Caeli, Caleb, Catherine and Conrad (CJ), parents Fernando Parra, Valeri Escobedo and Stephen Escobedo, brother Michael Parra and family, grandparents Richard and Sandy Dunsmore, Kenneth and Bonnie Hall and Frank Escobedo. He is preceded in death by grandmothers Lucy Parra and Mildred Escobedo.
Chris had a servant’s heart from a young age and spent countless hours of community service in high school. After graduating from Judson High School he enlisted into the Untied States Marine Corps. Shortly after boot camp he married his sweetheart on Dec. 19, 2005 in Pipe Creek, TX. He served 9 years as an Infantryman and Arabic Linguist with three combat tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. He was honorably discharged at the rank of Sergeant in 2014 leaving behind a legacy of mentorship and sacrifice.
Returning home to Converse, TX he attended AACOG Law Enforcement Academy. He joined the Comal County Sheriff’s Office in July of 2015. He started as a patrol officer on Delta Nights. He was promoted to Detective in the fall of 2019. He worked tirelessly to train new officers and further his own education. He graduated from San Antonio College in Dec. 2020 with an Associates Degree in Criminal Justice.
He is remembered by the citizens he served as being kind and professional, leaving each person feeling a little safer than before. His fellow deputies greatly mourn his loss and will miss his wit and sense of humor that could make anyone smile usually when they needed it most.
In his spare time he enjoyed beekeeping, being ham radio operator (W5DTP), teaching faith formation at church and learning new homestead skills with his large family on their little patch of dirt. His children particularly loved grabbing a root beer and spending one on one time with him. His love of faith, family and innate ability to teach and inspire will live in our hearts forever.
Lance Corporal Guillermo "Willie" Perez
Lance Corporal Guillermo “Willie” Sammuel Carrizales Perez died at the age of 19 in La Jolla, California on July 30, 2020. Willie was born to Romelia Escobedo and Faustino T. Perez, Jr. on November 27, 2000 in San Antonio, Texas.
Guillermo, also known as Willie, was a kid who once you met, you could never forget. When he was young in Kingsville, Texas, one would say he was loud, adventurous, hyper, and dirty but that was him. He spent the majority of his childhood outside, avoiding the shower, and always being a kid full of life. It seemed as if he never ran out of energy. Willie could find any stick outside and chase you with it with continuous laughter in attempt to hit you. Forever fighting with his siblings, especially his brother, we all knew and now cherish the tough love! Others would say he was caring, optimistic, a helper, and a loving person- which are also true. With him being the youngest, he still did a lot for his family and loved ones. He loved learning new things and showing off all of the things he had learned. He always offered a helping hand or helped without being asked. He grew up to become a genuine and good person.
He enjoyed his teenage years. He loved to play his game till all hours of the night, only leaving his room for Whataburger - living the life. Willie worked at Schlotzsky’s for 3.5 years with his best friends Juan Viscarra, Miranda Garcia, Francisco Martinez, and Jorge Mandujano and he volunteered with the New Braunfels Noon Lions Club throughout his high school years. Finally, he graduated from New Braunfels High School, Class of 2019, and went straight into the Marines. One could never say Army or any branch other than the Marines, because you would get an earful from him telling you how disrespectful that was. He began his Marine Corps career as a Private First Class and had recently been promoted to Lance Corporal, where he received a certificate of Infantry Rifleman (0311) Course and a Sharp-Shooter Medal. Willie would randomly call his loved ones, it was sure to put a smile on their face, make you laugh and even cry. When he would visit his family, he would address Whataburger first. He would then take the time to go visit the entirety of his family- surprising his sisters and making it special for them. Not only did we lose a special person, we lost a loving son, brother, fiancé, cousin, nephew, and friend! He touched so many peoples hearts. He was literally one of a kind. If you didn’t know him, you truly did miss out in one of the good things in life! You will forever be missed, Willie. We all love you more than you know- always and forever!
Willie was preceded in death by his grandfathers Castulo I. Carrizales and Faustino S. Perez Sr. and niece Alizé Medelez. He is survived by his parents, Romelia and Jose Escobedo and Faustino T. Jr. and Erika Perez; fiancé, Monika Mendoza and parents Mr. Horacio and Mrs. Veronica Mendoza; grandmothers, Dora S. Carrizales, Grace Torres, sisters, Saummie Medelez, and Bobbie Medelez; brother Michael C. Perez. His step family includes, April Jimenez, Amy Elizondo, Yesenia Elizondo, Maddison Elizondo, Veronica and Anwar Anderson, Monica and Gerardo Garza, Erica and Ricardo Rodriguez, Joey and Mayra Escobedo as well as 18 nieces and nephews, and 2 great-nieces.
The public is welcome to stop by Zoeller Funeral Home 8 am until 5 pm every day through Wednesday, August 26, 2020 to sign the guest book and pay their respects. Visitation will continue until 9:00 pm on Wednesday.
Funeral services will be held on Thursday, August 27, 2020 at 10:30 am at Tree of Life Church 5513 S. Interstate 35, New Braunfels, Texas. All are welcome to attend. Options for attendance will include the main auditorium, the main lobby, a dedicated room for overflow, a room for individuals at higher risk, outdoor seating and an option to listen on your vehicle’s radio. For the protection of the family and friends attending the service, both a temperature check at entry and a face mask will be required while indoors. Face masks will be made available on-site.
Burial will follow at Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery following the service. Due to Covid-19 restrictions, only the family will be allowed into the gate at Ft. Sam Houston.
Guillermo, also known as Willie, was a kid who once you met, you could never forget. When he was young in Kingsville, Texas, one would say he was loud, adventurous, hyper, and dirty but that was him. He spent the majority of his childhood outside, avoiding the shower, and always being a kid full of life. It seemed as if he never ran out of energy. Willie could find any stick outside and chase you with it with continuous laughter in attempt to hit you. Forever fighting with his siblings, especially his brother, we all knew and now cherish the tough love! Others would say he was caring, optimistic, a helper, and a loving person- which are also true. With him being the youngest, he still did a lot for his family and loved ones. He loved learning new things and showing off all of the things he had learned. He always offered a helping hand or helped without being asked. He grew up to become a genuine and good person.
He enjoyed his teenage years. He loved to play his game till all hours of the night, only leaving his room for Whataburger - living the life. Willie worked at Schlotzsky’s for 3.5 years with his best friends Juan Viscarra, Miranda Garcia, Francisco Martinez, and Jorge Mandujano and he volunteered with the New Braunfels Noon Lions Club throughout his high school years. Finally, he graduated from New Braunfels High School, Class of 2019, and went straight into the Marines. One could never say Army or any branch other than the Marines, because you would get an earful from him telling you how disrespectful that was. He began his Marine Corps career as a Private First Class and had recently been promoted to Lance Corporal, where he received a certificate of Infantry Rifleman (0311) Course and a Sharp-Shooter Medal. Willie would randomly call his loved ones, it was sure to put a smile on their face, make you laugh and even cry. When he would visit his family, he would address Whataburger first. He would then take the time to go visit the entirety of his family- surprising his sisters and making it special for them. Not only did we lose a special person, we lost a loving son, brother, fiancé, cousin, nephew, and friend! He touched so many peoples hearts. He was literally one of a kind. If you didn’t know him, you truly did miss out in one of the good things in life! You will forever be missed, Willie. We all love you more than you know- always and forever!
Willie was preceded in death by his grandfathers Castulo I. Carrizales and Faustino S. Perez Sr. and niece Alizé Medelez. He is survived by his parents, Romelia and Jose Escobedo and Faustino T. Jr. and Erika Perez; fiancé, Monika Mendoza and parents Mr. Horacio and Mrs. Veronica Mendoza; grandmothers, Dora S. Carrizales, Grace Torres, sisters, Saummie Medelez, and Bobbie Medelez; brother Michael C. Perez. His step family includes, April Jimenez, Amy Elizondo, Yesenia Elizondo, Maddison Elizondo, Veronica and Anwar Anderson, Monica and Gerardo Garza, Erica and Ricardo Rodriguez, Joey and Mayra Escobedo as well as 18 nieces and nephews, and 2 great-nieces.
The public is welcome to stop by Zoeller Funeral Home 8 am until 5 pm every day through Wednesday, August 26, 2020 to sign the guest book and pay their respects. Visitation will continue until 9:00 pm on Wednesday.
Funeral services will be held on Thursday, August 27, 2020 at 10:30 am at Tree of Life Church 5513 S. Interstate 35, New Braunfels, Texas. All are welcome to attend. Options for attendance will include the main auditorium, the main lobby, a dedicated room for overflow, a room for individuals at higher risk, outdoor seating and an option to listen on your vehicle’s radio. For the protection of the family and friends attending the service, both a temperature check at entry and a face mask will be required while indoors. Face masks will be made available on-site.
Burial will follow at Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery following the service. Due to Covid-19 restrictions, only the family will be allowed into the gate at Ft. Sam Houston.
1sg ronald c. sommer (ret) usmc
First Sgt. Ronald C Sommer (Ret) went home to be with the Lord on September 18, 2018 in New Braunfels, TX. He was born in Canton OH. on January 25,1932. He joined the Marine Corps in 1951 and retired from the Corps in 1979. His retirement from the Marines did not last long, as he eventually moved to New Braunfels and taught Marine jrROTC at New Braunfels High School. He and his wife of 58 years, Darlene, joined Oakwood Baptist Church where he was a deacon and served on various committees and in small groups. He was a member of VFW and the burial detail at Ft Sam in San Antonio TX. He is proceeded in death by his son Timothy Sommer, mother and father William H and Pauline E Sommer and brother Donald Sommer. He is survived by his loving wife of 58 yrs, Darlene Sommer, son Douglas Sommer, daughter Tracie Bridge. numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren, his sister Sandra Dominick and brother William Sommer Jr. Ronnie loved his Lord and church, his wife and family, the Marine Corps, his friends and life in general. He had a wonderful sense of humor and love telling stories as all Marines do. We will continue to love and miss him, but we know he has fought the good fight, finished the race and gone on to his final reward reserved for all God’s servants
gunny -Robert lee ermey
March 24, 1944 – April 15, 2018
Military career
United States Marine Corps
Years of service: 1961–1972
Rank Gunnery Sergeant
Assignments:
Unit India Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion
Marine Wing Support Group 17
Battles/wars
Vietnam War
Awards
Meritorious Unit Commendation
Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross
United States Marine Corps
Years of service: 1961–1972
Rank Gunnery Sergeant
Assignments:
Unit India Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion
Marine Wing Support Group 17
Battles/wars
Vietnam War
Awards
Meritorious Unit Commendation
Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross
R. Lee Ermey ("The Gunny") passed away this morning from complications of pneumonia. He will be greatly missed by all of us. It is a terrible loss that nobody was prepared for. He has meant so much to so many people. And, it is extremely difficult to truly quantify all of the great things this man has selflessly done for, and on behalf of, our many men and women in uniform. He has also contributed many iconic and indelible characters on film that will live on forever.
Gunnery Sergeant Hartman of Full Metal Jacket fame was a hard and principled man. The real R. Lee Ermey was a family man, and a kind and gentle soul. He was generous to everyone around him. And, he especially cared deeply for others in need.
There is a quote made famous in Full Metal Jacket. It's actually the Riflemen's Creed. "This is my rifle. There are many like it, but this one is mine."
There are many Gunny's, but this one was OURS. And, we will honor his memory with hope and kindness. Please support your men and women in uniform. That's what he wanted most of all.
Semper Fi, Gunny. Godspeed.
Gunnery Sergeant Hartman of Full Metal Jacket fame was a hard and principled man. The real R. Lee Ermey was a family man, and a kind and gentle soul. He was generous to everyone around him. And, he especially cared deeply for others in need.
There is a quote made famous in Full Metal Jacket. It's actually the Riflemen's Creed. "This is my rifle. There are many like it, but this one is mine."
There are many Gunny's, but this one was OURS. And, we will honor his memory with hope and kindness. Please support your men and women in uniform. That's what he wanted most of all.
Semper Fi, Gunny. Godspeed.
msgt luis valdez jr. - 3 jan 1939 - 9 jun 2017
jose adolfo zertuche - 1942 - 5 jun 2018
Jose Adolfo Zertuche passed away June 5, 2001 at the age of 75. Mr. Zertuche is survived by his daughters, Teresa Z. Padron, Maria Z. Gomez, Lupe Z. Corrales, Beatrice Z. Landez, Sandra Z. Flores and Rachel Z. Santos; sons, Manuel, Joe, Rodrigo, Arturo, Alex; one brother, 33 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren. Visitation will begin 2:00 P.M., Thursday, June 7, 2001 at Max Martinez Mortuary. A Rosary will be recited at 7:00 P.M., Thursday evening. A Chapel Service will be held 12:00 Noon, Friday, June 8, 2001. Interment will follow in San Fernando Cemetery No. 2 under the direction of: Max Martinez Mortuary.
Published in Express-News on June 7, 200 - See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/sanantonio/obituary.aspx?n=jose-adolfo-zertuche&pid=88815650#sthash.X45elvev.dpuf
Published in Express-News on June 7, 200 - See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/sanantonio/obituary.aspx?n=jose-adolfo-zertuche&pid=88815650#sthash.X45elvev.dpuf
LCPL Joseph David urtega
19 Mar 1943 - 16 Dec 2016
To All Marines,
It is with the deepest sorrow for me to inform you of the death of LCpl Joseph David Urteaga who past away while at the Hospital on December 16, 2016. He was suffering from medical complications that took a toll on his health. We will surely miss him.
His funeral was at the Veterans Memorial National Cemetery in Houston, Texas as he wished.
There will be a Celebration of Life for David on 14 January at VFW Post 7110, 600 Peace Avenue, New Braunfels, Texas at 1330.
For those that would like to send a card to the family, his wife Carol and Daughter Donna U. Ibanes, the address is
224 Toucan Dr,
Spring Branch, TX 78070
It is with the deepest sorrow for me to inform you of the death of LCpl Joseph David Urteaga who past away while at the Hospital on December 16, 2016. He was suffering from medical complications that took a toll on his health. We will surely miss him.
His funeral was at the Veterans Memorial National Cemetery in Houston, Texas as he wished.
There will be a Celebration of Life for David on 14 January at VFW Post 7110, 600 Peace Avenue, New Braunfels, Texas at 1330.
For those that would like to send a card to the family, his wife Carol and Daughter Donna U. Ibanes, the address is
224 Toucan Dr,
Spring Branch, TX 78070
honor the fallen
Marine Sgt. Thomas Z. Spitzer - Died June 25, 2014 Serving During Operation Enduring Freedom
23, of New Braunfels, Texas; assigned to 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Twentynine Palms, Calif.; died June 25 while conducting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan. Twentynine Palms-based Marine killed in Afghanistan A California-based Marine died June 25 while conducting combat operations in Afghanistan, the Defense Department announced today. Sgt. Thomas Z. Spitzer, 23, of New Braunfels, Texas, was assigned to 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, out of Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, California, according to a Defense Department news release. Spitzer was conducting operations in Afghanistan’s Helmand province at the time of his death. His death is not under investigation. The Defense Department did not immediately release additional information about the incident. A memorial post on the Facebook group Sangin Valley Gun Club has drawn many well wishes to Spitzer’s family from veterans who served with him. His awards include the Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon and the NATO Medal-ISAF Afghanistan. |
Marine Lance Cpl. John F. Farias - Died June 28, 2011 Serving During Operation Enduring Freedom
20, of New Braunfels, Texas; assigned to 1st Battalion, 5th Marines, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, Calif.; died June 28 while conducting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan. |
Marine Lance Cpl. Brandon T. Lara - Died July 19, 2009 Serving During Operation Iraqi Freedom, 20, of New Braunfels, Texas; assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, Calif.; died July 19 in Ubaydi, Iraq, while supporting combat operations.
Was eager to join the Corps As his Canyon High School classmates donned caps and gowns, Brandon Lara was in his helmet and fatigues. He was so eager to become a Marine that he finished his studies a semester before his May 2006 graduation. “He had long waited for his 18th birthday so he could join,” said his father, Jacob Lara Jr. “When his classmates were walking the stage, Brandon was serving his first tour.” And he volunteered for his second. Brandon Lara, 20, of New Braunfels, Texas, died July 19 in Iraq while supporting combat operations in Anbar province. He was assigned to Camp Pendleton, Calif., and scheduled to be home in October, in time for his birthday. “Ever since I can remember, he knew exactly what he wanted to do,” his stepmother, Gloria Lara, said. “He’s always wanted to be military. Since he was little, he was into guns and swords and knives.” She said they communicated constantly on the MySpace social networking Web site. During their last phone conversation, she said, he told her he was thinking of home. Brandon Lara also is survived by his mother, Shannon Martin; his brother, Jonathon; and his sisters, Victoria and Rebecca Lara and Stormi McCandless. |