Tributes

Edward Riojas, Jr. (Eddie) went to his lord and eternal peace on April 28, 2023. He was born August 30th 1937 from parents Edward Riojas, Sr. and Cornelia Helen Sturm-Riojas in San Antonio, Texas, where he was raised and went to school. Eddie graduated from San Antonio Vocational and Technical high School as Valedictorian and Senior Class President in 1955. He also attended and graduated from San Antonio College and Southwest Texas State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Management. Eddie worked as a civil servant for the United States Air Force at Kelly AFB, Texas and McClellan AFB. He retired after 40 years of service in 1997 from the San Antonio Air Logistics Center at KAFB as a member of the Senior Executive Service (SES), Chief/ Senior Logistician, and Executive Director managing a host of aircraft, engines and commodities worldwide through over 20,000 military and civilian employees. During his civil service career, Eddie was awarded numerous Outstanding Performance Awards, Sustained Civilian Service Awards, a Meritorious Civilian Service Award and a Presidential Meritorious Executive Award. During his career he attended the Air War College, the Federal Executive Institute, and the JFK School of Government at Harvard University. After his civil service career, he worked for nine years as a Senior VP at the San Antonio Federal Credit Union, retiring for the second time in 2008. Active in the community, Eddie served on various boards and advisory panels, including the Board of Directors for SACU, YMCA, United Way, Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce, San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and the Port Authority. Eddie was a true blue Dallas Cowboys fan from birth and San Antonio Spurs season ticket holder for 20 years — he really loved his teams. Kind and generous, Eddie focused on the things that mattered most, including giving back, supporting his family and being the best brisket chili maker in the southwest. Thanksgiving was his favorite holiday because it meant cooking for close family and friends. Eddie also enjoyed playing poker weekly, cutting up with his buddies every Friday night. Travel was also a passion of his, visiting many countries over the years with his late wife, Aurora. Edward was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Aurora Riojas (Buddye). He was survived by son Richard Riojas, daughter-n-law Lorena Riojas, daughter Sharon Fernandez, MD, son-in-law David Fernandez, DVM, daughter Cristina Tackett and niece Yvonne Landez; grandchildren Richard Riojas, Jonathan Riojas, Edward Riojas III, Sara Schultis, Eric Fernandez and Trinity Tackett; and great grandchildren Cole, Laurel, John, Gemma, Donovan and Cirilla.

Tributes

Edward Riojas Jr.

August 30, 1937 - April 28, 2023