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Major Wejay Suriya Bundara, Jr., age 87, passed away unexpectedly but peacefully on Friday, August 15, 2025 in San Antonio, Texas. He was born to Wejay and Placide (Washington) Bundara, Sr. on July 16, 1938 in Washington, D.C.; he was an only child, nicknamed “Skipper” by his Grandpa Washington. Skipper lived in D.C. with his mother and her extended family until the age of 10; he then moved to Texas to live with his dad and his second beloved “Mom” Mamie (Jackson) Bundara. Skipper’s father was in the U.S. Army, so they moved frequently; he attended three different high schools (in New Jersey, Germany, and Texas). He graduated from Central Catholic High School (San Antonio) in 1956; he graduated from Notre Dame University (Indiana) with a degree in Economics and commissioned with the U.S. Air Force in 1960. When called to active duty in 1961, the U.S. Air Force sent him to Maxwell AFB to study meteorology at the University of Oklahoma in Norman. His next assignment was at RAF South Ruislip (England). Wejay proudly served his country as a combat weather forecaster during the Vietnam War. After the war, he met and married the love of his life Patricia “Pat” at F.E. Warren AFB (Wyoming) when he was a missile launch officer; Pat was also in the U.S. Air Force, and they remained married for nearly 54 years. Their additional duty stations included Beale AFB (California), Clark AFB (Philippines), and a final tour at F.E. Warren AFB. Wejay earned his Master of Arts in Public Administration in 1979 from the University of Northern Colorado. After retiring in 1981, he and his family moved from Cheyenne, Wyoming to the Houston area to be closer to his parents who lived in San Antonio; he made San Antonio his final home (since 1983). His civilian career included many years as the public relations director at the City Water Board (now San Antonio Water System); he also enjoyed his employment at the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO), so much so that he volunteered there through 2022, well after his BCSO retirement. In addition to his BCSO volunteer work in retirement years, Wejay loved to fly his Mooney airplane (N9317V), enjoyed weekly luncheons with his “Fly Boys” friend group, loved to visit his local H E B nearly daily to buy some “must have” food item (and to socialize with the employees), was always looking for the next good show to binge watch with his wife, and treasured any time with his family and friends. He was a member of St. Mark the Evangelist Catholic Church, the Bronze Eagles Flying Club of Texas, and several other organizations. He was an amazing husband, father, Papa, mentor, and friend. He was always up for an adventure, rarely said "No", and would give the shirt off his back to those in need. He lived his life fully with positive energy, had the most genuine smile, and always gave the best hugs! Wejay was preceded in death by his parents and only son (Wejay “Jay” Bundara III). He is survived by his wife, Pat; three daughters: Tanya Schuh, Lisa Sinclair, and Kimberly “Missy” Noble (husband Brodie); five grandchildren: Carlos Flory, Ryan Schuh (wife Tristen), Hailey Halliburton (husband Clayton), Charice Sinclair, and Zane Noble (wife Brianna); five great grandchildren (and one on the way); numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family and friends both near and far. Wejay is already deeply missed by all who knew him. SERVICES On Thursday, August 28, 2025, visitation will begin at 12:30 p.m., followed by the service at 1:00 p.m. at Mission Park Funeral Chapels North, 3401 Cherry Ridge Drive. Private interment with full military honors will be held at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery.

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Major Wejay Suriya Bundara, Jr.

July 16, 1938 - August 15, 2025