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Jesus R. Esparza, beloved father, grandfather, and great-grandfather was called to the Lord on Saturday, March 1, 2014, at the age of 98. He was born in Chihuahua, Mexico to Jesus Esparza Serrano and Mercedes Reyes. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Maria Teresa Duran, his second wife, Antonia Gonzalez, his daughter Teresita, and his son Jesse. As a teenager, Jesus began work as an apprentice machinist in the silver and gold mines while living with his parents in Fresnillo, Mexico. He progressed to become a journeyman machinist while working at other large industrial firms in Mexico. In 1955, he moved his family to San Antonio where he first worked at SAMSCO for 8 years and then retired after more than 20 years of civil service at Kelly AFB. While at Kelly he received numerous awards for his suggestions on how to improve the machining of precision parts needed in the maintenance and service of many U.S. Air Force aircraft including the B-52, B-58, C-141 and the C-5. At his retirement he received a special commendation from President Carter. He began playing basketball as a youngster and became an outstanding player by the time he was 20 while working full time. He played successfully in many national tournaments in Mexico with select teams representing the states of Zacatecas and Aguascalientes. He is survived by his children: Eduardo Esparza Sonia, Anna Maria Silva Gilberto, Antonietta Martinez Steve, Javier Esparza, Fernando Esparza, Patricia Hickey John, and Martha Esparza-Farias. He was blessed with and loved dearly his16 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren. Also, dear to his heart were dozens of nieces, nephews, other loving family, and friends. Visitation will be held on Sunday, March 16, 2014, from 5 – 9 PM at Mission Park Funeral Chapels North with a Rosary at 7 PM. After a final visitation at 9 AM, a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 AM on Monday, March 17, 2014 at St. Matthew Catholic Church, 10703 Wurzbach Road, San Antonio, TX 78230. Interment will follow at Sunset Memorial Park, 1701 Austin Highway, San Antonio, TX 78212. A reception at Earl Abel's, 1201 Austin Highway, will follow the burial.

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Jesus R. Esparza

September 12, 1915 - March 1, 2014