Tributes

Paul Leopoldo Perez retired MSgt. U.S. Army, was born on July 10, 1937 in Nuevo Laredo, Mexico. Paul entered eternal rest on June 12, 2007 in San Antonio, TX. Paul was the son of Leopoldo Perez Cassa and Theodora Perez. He met his wife of 42 years in Japan while stationed there together in 1962-1964. Paul lived in San Antonio, TX most of his life. He served in the U.S. Army from December 1957 to June 1978. His military assignments were 168 Engr, BN in Germany, USA Medical Field Service School at Ft. Sam Houston, TX, U.S. Army Medical Command, Japan, 3 tours in Vietnam, 121 EVAC Hospital in Korea. Paul was Plans NCO at Headquarters USA Health SVC Command, Ft. Sam Houston, TX and TX. Retired from the Army as a MSgt. E8 in June 1978. He was awarded the Bronze Star with cluster, Army Commendation Medal with 2 clusters, the Army Legion of Merit, and numerous other medals. Even though Paul was born in Mexico he always felt that he was an American and loved the U.S.A. When Paul went to court to become an American citizen he was in uniform as an E5 and on orders to go to Vietnam. The judge said no need to ask if you will defend the U. S. Constitution is there? And with that he was sworn in as a new U.S. Citizen. Upon retirement Paul and Esther and their daughters dedicated their time in developing the business known as Del Rio Tortilla Factory from a small mom and pop shop with one employee in 1974 to over 30 employees today. Paul believed in education and tried to influence the young part-time employees to stay in school. Paul was a softy when it came to children, women, and animals. He tried to put up a good front. But Esther knew when things hurt him emotionally, scary isnt it your wife can tell how you feel without saying a word. Paul had a bout with cancer the first time in 1990 due to exposure to Agent Orange in Vietnam. The second and final one, lung cancer. Paul was the son of Leopoldo Perez Cassa and Theodora Perez Zavala and they have preceded him in death. He is also preceded in death by his sister Maria Temblador and brother Don Perez. Paul is survived by his beloved wife Esther Perez, daughters: Lisa Perez Porter and husband Gary, Diana Perez Balboa and husband Martin, grandchildren: Kelly Dyan Porter and Ryan Paul Porter, grand dog Curiosity, adopted daughter Laura Torres and her children Jeff, Esther, Yvette, and Jack Torres, as well as numerous nieces and nephews in laws in Texas, California and Mexico.

Tributes

Paul Perez

July 10, 1937 - June 12, 2007