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Rodolfo R. Figueroa May 27, 1922 – March 26, 2010 Rodolfo R. Figueroa, 87, died March 26, 2010, with his wife, family and friends by his side at Trisun Mesa Vista Healthcare facility in San Antonio, Texas. Mr. Figueroa was born in San Antonio, Texas, to Inocencio and Juana Figueroa. Mr. Figueroa served in the United States Army and fought to defend our country for five years during World War II. Mr. Figueroa was a Sergeant in the 9th Infantry. He fought bravely in multiple battles: The Invasion of Normandy, the Ardennes Offense in Northern France and throughout Rhineland and Central Europe. Mr. Figueroa received an Honorable Discharge from the United States Army for his honest and faithful service to this country. He was awarded the following metals: • Bronze Star Medal – Awarded for bravery and combat heroism. • Good Conduct Medal – Completed three or more consecutive years without discipline. • American Defense Service Medal – Performed active duty prior to WWII. • European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Metal with 1 bronze service star – Issued by President Roosevelt to recognize military service performed during WWII. Bronze star issued for participating in multiple battles. • World War II Victory Medal – Created by the Act of Congress in July of 1945 to commemorate military service during WWII. • Combat Infantryman Badge 1st Award - Being present and under hostile fire, while serving in an assigned primary infantry in which the unit is actively engaging the enemy in ground combat. • Honorable Service Lapel Button WWII – Discharged under honorable conditions during WWII. • Purple Heart Medallion – Established by General George Washington for being wounded or killed in any action against an enemy of the United States or as a result of an act of any such enemy or opposing armed forces. Mr. Figueroa was shot in the shoulder during WWII. Mr. Figueroa spent the majority of his civilian career employed at Kelly Air Force Base as an Aircraft Mechanic Specialist. After retirement from civil service, he enjoyed helping family and friends with projects, loved working as a cook, watching sports on TV, and spending time at the family flower farm. Mr. Figueroa married Janie Q. Saldana on July 17, 1988. Together they enjoyed gardening, harvesting and shelling pecans, family barbeques, trips to Vegas and Louisiana and playing the Texas Lotto. Mr. Figueroa is survived by his wife, Janie Figueroa, his sisters, Carmen Fuentes, Guadalupe Vega, Beatrice Resendez and their spouses, his brothers, Victor Zepeda, Oscar Zepeda, Frank Zepeda, Jesse Zepeda, Alfonzo Zepeda and their spouses. His daughters, Rosie Meyer, Terrie Figueroa, Elena Tovar and their spouses, his sons, Victor Figueroa, Frank Figueroa, Hector Figueroa, Rudy Figueroa Jr., Martin Figueroa and their spouses. Mr. Figueroa was further blessed with an extended family consisting of step-children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nephews and nieces. In addition, countless other family members and friends that loved him dearly. Mr. Figueroa sincerely cared and loved all of his family and often spoke of his children and brothers and sisters. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his step-father, Francisco Zepeda, his sister, Manuela Castillo, and one son, Arturo Figueroa. Condolences may be sent to: Trisun Mesa Vista Inn Healthcare Attn: Janie Figueroa 5756 North Knoll San Antonio, Texas In lieu of flowers: Donations may be sent to any charity of your choice on behalf of Mr. Figueroa. Funeral Arrangements are as follows: Date: Friday, April 2nd, 2010 Time: 9:00 a.m. Place: Mission Park Funeral Chapel 3401 Cherry Ridge Dr. San Antonio, Texas 78230 210 349-1414 office Please note: Immediately following Chapel Service at Mission Park, we will proceed to Ft. Sam for the burial. Date: Friday, April 2nd, 2010 Time: 10:45 a.m. Place: Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery 1520 Harry Wurbach Road San Antonio, Texas 78209 210 820-3891 office Mr. Figueroa receives a special blessing: His funeral will be held on Good Friday. Good Friday is observed on the Friday before Easter Sunday. On this day Christians commemorate the passion, or suffering, and death on the Cross of the Lord, Jesus Christ. Through his death, burial and resurrection, Jesus paid the penalty for sin, thus purchasing for all who believe in him, eternal life in Christ Jesus. Special thanks: • Dr. Rudolfo P. Zarate • Dr. Denise Hart • Home Health Innovations • Trisun Mesa Vista Healthcare Staff, Administration & Residence • Lighthouse Hospice • St. Matthew's Catholic Church – Rev. Valentine Gallegos • All USA Military personnel • Numerous family and friends for their continued prayers and support. Farewell Poem by Susie Sunshine: When I am gone, release me, let me go. I have so many things to see and do, You mustn't tie yourself to me with too many tears, But be thankful we had so many good years. I gave you my love, and you can only guess How much you've given me in happiness. I thank you for the love that you have shown, But now it is time I traveled on alone. So grieve for me a while, if grieve you must Then let your grief be comforted by trust That it is only for a while that we must part, So treasure the memories within your heart. I won't be far away for life goes on. And if you need me, call and I will come. Though you can't see or touch me, I will be near And if you listen with your heart, you'll hear All my love around you soft and clear And then, when you come this way alone, I'll greet you with a smile and a "Welcome Home".

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Rodolfo R. Figueroa

May 27, 1922 - March 26, 2010