Tributes

Jesus Viagran Guerra September 20, 1934 - December 28, 2024 TSgt Jesus “Chuy” Viagran Guerra entered eternal rest on Saturday, December 28, 2024, at the age of 90. He was born on September 20, 1934, in Losoya, Texas. He is survived by his loving wife of 65.9 years, Melida Lopez Guerra; children Jesse (Deborah), Joe (Karen), Lisa and Ben Guerra; 10 grandchildren John Eric, Jessica, Zachary, Analisa, Jordhan, Justin, Jacob, Emily, Kevin, and Kaalyn; 14 great-grandchildren and sister Annie G. Montelongo plus numerous relatives and friends. Jesus is preceded in death by his parents Wenceslado (Ben) and Anita Viagran Guerra, sister Dora G. Uriegas, brothers Ben, Ralph, Henry, and Juan Viagran Guerra. His mother tenderly nicknamed him “Chuy.” She once told Melida that she would hide sweet treats under Chuy’s pillow because he was a very picky eater. Chuy enlisted in the United States Air Force from 1954-1974 as a 43251 Jet Engine Mechanic and as a 42173 Aerospace Ground Equipment Repair Technician. After basic military training at Lackland AFB TX and technical training at Chanute AFB IL, Chuy was stationed at Bergstom AFB TX, Carswell AFB TX, Randolph AFB TX, then retired at Maxwell AFB AL. He spent time deployed in Japan, Laos, Philippines, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam. Chuy was a patriotic American proudly loving his country, family, baseball, volunteerism, NASCAR, John Deere/Ford vehicles, music, and dogs. After retiring from the Air Force, Chuy returned to Buena Vista-Losoya with his young family to open a small auto parts business while volunteering as a firefighter with the Buena Vista VFD. In the 1970's, Buena Vista was a very rural area. It still is. While stationed in Montgomery, Alabama, Chuy served as a volunteer coach with a local youth baseball league. Upon moving to Buena Vista, he recognized a need for a recreation outlet for the rambunctious kids in the far south side of San Antonio. With Melida and other volunteers' help, Chuy organized the Southside Country Recreation Coed Softball League in Buena Vista. Chuy was a very committed volunteer; he blasted the “LOUD” fire dispatch scanners 24/7 in the Guerra household. His wife and kids were his human fire alarms when he slept during the day due to working the night shift with the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office jail. Thereafter, missing his Air Force passion, he transferred to the maintenance department with the Wackenhut jail facility. He returned to the full-time work force in the 1980's when his children reached college age. His 20+ years of tenacious leadership and expertise in the volunteer fire departments earned him the rank of Fire Chief in the Southside VFD. Chief Guerra “retired” after saving many lives and properties with very few resources, outdated and broken equipment and a limited budget. The Chief was very resourceful when training his volunteer firefighting cadre. Chuy, his family and other dedicated volunteers also spent numerous hours fundraising for both volunteer fire departments. Chuy was an avid John Deere tractor fan. He believed the products were not inexpensive but worth the price in quality. Along with his tractor and lawn mower, he often volunteered to maintain the lawns of Villa de El Carmen Parish and Pop Warner Youth sports facility. He spent his pastime watching NASCAR races with Melida sitting next to him. Chuy owned many musical albums, cassettes, and CDs. He and Melida enjoyed blaring the music of Johnny Cash, Dolly Parton plus various country & western, polka & conjunto artists. Chuy owned several Ford vehicles. He was loyal to the brand but most often chose fancy Buick cars for Melida. Many times, he mentioned he was attracted to Melida AND her 1955 Buick during their courtship. His favorite vehicle was his 1965 Ford Mustang Fastback. He had no desire to fix it up but enjoyed admiring it. Great-Grandpa Chuy especially adored his grandchildren and his great-grandchildren. He would take them on hayrides on his John Deere tractor and trailer. He also enjoyed taking them to eat tacos or hamburgers at his favorite restaurants such as Bobbie’s Café, Dairy Queen, Nicha’s Comida Mexicana, Pig Stand Diner, and Maverick’s Grill in Floresville. He would shuttle them after school to their next activity. He made a sought-after salsa fresca and guacamole using simple but fresh ingredients for family gatherings. Chuy was a devoted husband. From the 1990's until his passing, he cared for Melida after her debilitating illness. He would hire and fire the caregivers. He became the househusband undertook the family duties and responsibilities previously undertaken by Melida. While the most important thing to Chuy was Melida and their children, he also loved his dogs. He never denied a stray dog a meal, medical attention, or a loving place to stay. For Chuy, having more dogs brought him pleasure and happiness. His “consentido” dog was a male chiweenie named Pee Wee. Chuy would only serve Pee Wee moist dog food from a sealed pouch. The dog enjoyed laying on his back next to Chuy on the recliner for a long nap. Chuy and Pee Wee are now happily reunited. Special thanks to the awesome staff at the Floresville-Frank Tejeda TX State Veterans Home and Hunters Pond Nursing Home for the loving care provided to our father, Chuy. Chuy will be deeply missed and never forgotten.