Tributes

Hector Serna was gently guided to God's Kingdom where the love of his life, Mary has been waiting for him. He passed peacefully from this world with his family by his side on Tuesday, November 27, 2018. He was born on June 30, 1927 in San Antonio, Texas. As a child and young adult, he moved back and forth to Monterrey, Mexico where his parents owned a small shop. He worked there and at various other jobs in San Antonio. Eager to serve his Country, Hector enlisted in the U.S. Army on May 10, 1951. He was trained to be a Field Medic, serving in Korea and two tours in Vietnam. In Vietnam he earned two Bronze Stars Medals for heroism in combat for selflessly saving fellow Soldiers under direct fire. He also earned several other service awards during his career. After the war he continued his career at Ft. Sam Houston as a Platoon Sargent, retiring after 21 years of service in June 1972. But by far, I'm sure he would say his greatest accomplishment was meeting and eventually marrying a young WAC named Mary Moses. He was a self-taught artist with a special talent for woodworking. He built a beautiful dining room table that was large enough for all of our family to sit together comfortably, and also designed and constructed new doors for all the kitchen cabinets. He always seemed to have some project going and loved working with his hands. He and Mom also enjoyed volunteering at the Convent for the Carmelite Sisters. Hector is preceded in death by his wife of 53 years, Mary M. Serna, his father Hector Serna, mother Enriqueta Torralva Serna, sister Yolanda Marrott, and brother Roberto Serna. He is survived by his children Mary Alice Manes, Patrice Dela Serna, Joseph Serna, Gerianne Rivers, Maureen Preciado, and Phyllis Van Buskirk, their spouses, 15 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren with another on the way. Our family would like to thank all the caregivers and friends that Dad was so fortunate to have over the years since Mom passed. We'd especially like to thank all the wonderful staff at his final home, Autumn Grove Cottages on Stone Oak, and of course the nurses, social workers, and Chaplains from Heart of Texas Hospice. Thank you for everything you've done for Dad. We know he loved you all! Visitation will be held Thursday, December 6, 2018 from 5-9pm with a Rosary to be recited at 7:00pm at Mission Park South. Funeral Mass will be held at Holy Name Catholic Church Friday, December 7, 2018 at 11:00am followed by internment services at Holy Cross Cemetery. Family and friends are invited to celebrate his life at Holy Name Parish Hall immediately following the service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that Masses be said for him. Intentions can be made through your home Parish or the Marianists at 4425 West Pine Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63108. Donations are also gratefully accepted to the Alzheimer's Association at act.alz.org/donate

Tributes

Hector Serna

June 30, 1927 - November 27, 2018