Johnny Prezas

Johnny G. Prezas, 83, a longtime resident of Corpus Christi, Texas was called home on Friday, June 10, 2005. He passed at his residence after an illness. He was a Jump Sergeant in the 101st Air Bourne Division of the United States Army. He defended our Country in WWII and earned 2 Bronze Stars, 2 Purple Hearts and EAME Campaign Medal and numerous other medals. Among his most notable battles was the battle of Bastogne, known to the media as the "Battle of the Bulge". General George Patton referred to this abandoned group of men as "The Battling Bastards of Bastogne." He dedicated 32 year of his life to the United States Postal Service and 15 years to the Nueces County Courthouse as a Bailiff for the 117th Judicial District Court of Nueces County, Texas serving before the Honorable Judge Jack Blackmon. He was an usher at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Corpus Christi, Texas for over 20 years.This is not only an obituary, it is a love story. This love story began when Johnny G. Prezas met Patty Galvan at the age of 7 at George Evan Elementary School in Corpus Christi, Texas. Since September 1, 1927, they formed a bond that not even a World War would break. In this regard, in the midst of the turmoil after the Battle of the Bulge, Patty Galvan received a letter that Johnny had been killed in action. However, shortly thereafter, characteristic of his method of operation, he called her and informed her that he was indeed alive and on his way to marry her. He was offered a Battlefield Commission to West Point Military Academy, but again he had plans to marry Patty that were by far more important than anything else in his world. He was loved, admired and respected by his beloved wife of 57 years, Patty G. Prezas, his two sons, Professor John Edward (Sandy Fernandez) Prezas, Jr., Dr. Raul R. (Sylvia Mu¤oz) Prezas., all of Corpus Christi. Four grandsons, John C. (Regina) Prezas, of Austin, Texas , Raul F. Prezas of Hutchinson, Kansas, John A. Prezas of Corpus Christi, Texas and Jared E. (Crystal) Prezas of Corpus Christi, Texas. Two great grandsons, Hunter B. Prezas and Jared A. Prezas of Corpus Christi, Texas. Four sisters, Sue P. Brown of Hayward, California., Alma Benton of Omaha, Nebraska, Nathie Jason of Escondido, California, Rosie Morales of Santana, California and numerous members of the Galvan, DeLaVi¤a, Martinez, Oliveira, Gonzalez and Prezas families. He will be welcomed into Heaven by his parents, Juan and Sara Prezas, Rafael and Virginia Galvan, Raul G. Prezas, Beatrice G. De La Vi¤a, Joe De La Vi¤a, Rosa G. Martinez, Lee Martinez, Sr., Virginia G. Galvan, Arnold Gonzalez, Sr., Terry B. Galvan, Rafael Galvan, III, Luis Oliveira, Sr., Alicia Guadalupe Galvan, Conrado Fernandez, Monica Marie Martinez, Francisco Mu¤oz, Mrs. Delia Pro Mu¤oz.Family visitation will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, June 12, 2005, at The Galvan House located at Heritage Park, Corpus Christi, Texas.Public visitation will commence at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, June 13, 2005 at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 3350 S. Alameda St. in Corpus Christi, Texas with the rosary being recited by Deacon Adelfino Palacios at 7:30 p.m. that same evening. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, June 14, 2005, at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 3350 S. Alameda St. in Corpus Christi, Texas with Father Randy Cain and Deacon Adelfino Palacios as celebrants. Military graveside services and interment will follow at the Rose Hill Cemetery in Corpus Christi, Texas.Active Pallbearers will be John C. Prezas, Raul F. Prezas, John A. Prezas, Jared E. Prezas, Louie Garza, Arnold Gonzalez, III, Freddie Martinez, Jr., Larry Dechant, Jr., Michael Maldonado, Jr., Lee Martinez III., Michael Alaniz, and Luis Maldonaldo.Honorary Pallbearers will be Lee Martinez, Jr., Freddie Martinez, Sr., Luis Oliveira, Jr., Mike Hoeltzel, Sammy Galvan, Jr., Arnold G. Gonzalez, Robert J. Gonzalez, Mike Maldonado, Sr., Larry Dechant, Sr., Edwardo Galvan, Robert Galvan, Jr., Eddie Ramon, Eddie Laurel, Raymond Galvan, Joe Lopez, Augustin Collin, Albert Sanchez, Richard Lumpkin, Shane Jason, Bobby Tullos, Alfred Boyd, Eddie Cruz, Conrado Fernandez, Jr., Raymond Mendoza, Jack Esparza, Victor Palacios, Mark Rodriguez, Alberto Borghia, Guss Sattem and Eloy Salazar.In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to St. Patrick’s Catholic Church. The AmericanFor an American who walked the ramparts, we pay tribute.We Remember, We Mourn.With gratitude we Salute.