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Julian M. Ramón, Jr. joined his Lord on February 24, 2024 at his residence in San Antonio, Texas. He was born on February 23, 1944 in Three Rivers, Texas to Julian A. Ramón Sr. and Hilaria Martinez Ramón. Julian is survived by his loving wife of 57 ½ years, Elizabeth Maldonado Ramón; daughters, Lizette DeLong (Ross), Samantha Ramón-Foddrill (John Jr.) and Katherine Ramón; sons, Robert and Joe Ramón; sister, Cirilda Salazar; brother, Juan Gonzalez (Angie); grandchildren, Robert Hogeland (Nicole), Adam Flores, Elissa Saiz (David), Emily Draker (J.R.), Shelby Salas, Emmalyn Ramón, Julian Ramón, III, Nathaniel Webb, Porcelina Foddrill, Odie Ramón, Piao Ramón, Kristopher Ramón, Sam and Joe Huneycutt; great-grandchildren, Hailey, Luke and Elijah Hogeland; Zayne Saiz, Abigail and Jameson Draker; and numerous nieces and nephews. Julian spent the first two years of his life without his father, a U.S. Army Soldier, who was fighting in the Philippines as WWII raged across the globe. Young Julian quickly learned the concept of “serving a cause greater than yourself.” This would set the tone for the remainder of his life. He spent his formative years in Three Rivers and the surrounding areas where he lived on a ranch in a small shack with dirt floors, and no running water or electricity. His parents and grandparents, Cesario and Librada Martinez, instilled strong values within their little “Julianito.” The focus was God, family and country. Daily life was hard as Julian and his family worked the ranches, grew crops, and hunted rabbits, rattlesnakes and armadillos for meat. He often traveled with his family as a migrant worker when he was as young as five, picking cotton and working the fields. It was a time filled with happiness and an appreciation of God’s blessings despite the hardships of 1940s and 50s ranch life. Julian’s family eventually moved to the Southside of San Antonio where he attended Harlandale High School. It was during this time he met Lizzie, who would walk alongside him for the next 60 years. Eleven days after their marriage in 1966, Julian deployed with the U.S. Air Force to Takhli Air Force Base, Thailand, a front-line combat base for the Vietnam War. After returning home to San Antonio, Julian and Lizzie soon added three daughters and two sons to their family. He began a career with the U.S. Postal Service and focused on teaching his children traditional values, including a close relationship with God, protecting those unable to protect themselves, and living lives with honor and integrity. His family was his proudest accomplishment. His home became the hub for family members and friends who made great memories there barbecuing, listening to music on Julian’s jukebox, playing pool, swimming, and occasionally cracking open a few beers. Julian was a constant presence in his jeans, boots and button-up shirt. Julian was a voracious reader and known for gifting books to others along with his personalized, handwritten notes inside. He possessed a strong, gentle and calm demeanor – making him the go-to person in time of crises. Family and friends knew Julian had the answers to help them find their bearings in times of adversity. He spent the latter years of his life consistently focused on teaching his grandchildren and great grandchildren the same values he taught his children. Despite his humble beginnings, Julian lived an influential life and made a positive impact on countless others. News of his death came as a shock to many who assumed he would live forever. The thing is, he will indeed live forever through the values and knowledge he passed on to others. In one of his final conversations, three days before his death, Julian described a vivid dream he had the night prior. He explained that as he walked through the South Texas woods where he was raised, Jesus approached him and offered to make any dream come true. “Just name it, and I’ll make it come true,” Jesus said. With all the treasures of the world at his fingertips, Julian replied, “You already made my greatest dream come true – to have the best wife, children and grandchildren in the world. There’s nothing more I could ever ask for.” Jesus smiled. Julian’s final day was spent at home celebrating his 80th birthday with family and friends. The house was filled with laughter and love. After the party ended, his immediate family gathered around him as he drew his last breath. Julian saw his dream fulfilled. He was the richest man in the world. SERVICES Visitation will be held on Tuesday, March 12, 2024 from 5:00pm-8:00pm, with a Rosary at 7:00pm at Mission Park Funeral Chapels North. Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, March 13, 2024 at 12:00pm at St. Dominic Catholic Church. Interment will follow at Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery with Air Force honors. For personal acknowledgement, please sign the online guestbook at www.missionparks.com in the Tributes section. MISSION PARK FUNERAL CHAPELS NORTH 3401 CHERRY RIDGE DR. SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS 78230 (210) 349-1414

Tributes

Julian Ramon

February 23, 1944 - February 24, 2024