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Salvador R. “Leo” Fernandez was born on March 9, 1931, in Uvalde Texas to parents Isabel & Irene R. Fernandez. He completed his earthly journey and went home to be with our Lord in the evening hours of January 4, 2024, at the age of 92. Salvador was a veteran of the United States Army proudly serving his country while stationed at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii before being shipped to fight in the Korean War. During his combat time, he was listed as Missing in Action (MIA). While MIA, he was able to evade capture and eventually returned back to the American forces with the help of a dog which would alert Salvador whenever the enemy was close by. After the Korean War, he returned home to San Antonio where he attended and completed barber school. He started his barber career in 1962 and owned Fernandez Barber Shop on South Flores until his retirement in April 2021. For 59 years, he was a barber to many veterans and many generations of families as well. The barber shop reflected Leo’s respect for veterans as the walls had the photos of those serving and the veterans who came to get their hair cut or just to visit with him. Leo was a treasure and was loved by his family, friends and so many of his clients for his abundance of jokes, stories, old-style sense of humor, beaming smile and easy joyful laugh. He had a genuine love for his family, friends and brightened our lives with his presence. Leo was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, great-great grandfather, brother, brother-in-law, uncle, friend and mentor. He always was there to provide and helped family in almost every possible way he was asked. A truly loving and caring human being that will be deeply missed by so many people whose lives he touched in his own special way. Salvador is preceded in death by his parents, Irene R. Fernandez & Isabel Fernandez; brothers Abrahan and Orlando Fernandez; sisters Delia F. Sabedra and Dora F. Martinez. He is survived by his beloved wife Maria Santos of 69 years; daughters, Esmeralda Fernandez & Sandra Fernandez, and son Arnold Fernandez. His four grandchildren, Joe Valdez (Gina), Vanessa Rivas (Nick), Celine Ramos and Kayla Garcia; eight great grandchildren and three great-great grandchildren. Sister Patricia F. Garza (Reynaldo deceased) and brother Fernando Fernandez (Alicia) as well as several nieces and nephews, including a host of extended relatives and friends. Salvador R. “Leo” Fernandez may have left our lives but will never leave our hearts! Visitation will be held on Wednesday, January 10, 2024 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. with a rosary to be recited at 7:00 p.m. at Mission Park Funeral Chapels South. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 9:30 a.m. at St. Leo the Great Catholic Church with a procession to depart the funeral home at 9:00 a.m. Interment to follow at Mission Burial Park South.

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Salvador R. Fernandez

March 9, 1931 - January 4, 2024