Rogelio Perez Reyes Jr.

1938 - 2013

Rogelio Perez Reyes Jr. "Roger" of Fort Worth passed away Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2013, at the age of 75. Service: A chapel service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday at Wilkirson Hatch Bailey Funeral Home, followed by graveside service with full military honors at noon in Oakwood Cemetery with Pastor Armando Virgen and Pastor Matias Sauceda officiating. Visitation: will begin at 6 p.m. and a prayer service at 7 p.m. Friday at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey Funeral Home. Rogelio was born July 7, 1938, in Waco to Rogelio and Tomasita Reyes. He graduated from Waco High School, Baylor University and also received a master's degree from the University of New Mexico. Upon graduation from Baylor, Rogelio entered the U.S. Air Force and served as a pilot, completing one tour in Vietnam. He taught at the U.S. Air Force Academy. After 26 years of service he retired as a lieutenant colonel. His decorations and medals include the Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star, Air Medal, Distinguished-Presidential Unit Citation, AF Outstanding Award with two bronze oak leaf clusters, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with three bronze oak leaf clusters, Humanitarian Service Medal and AF Overseas Short Tour. Upon retirement Roger taught at Hughes Aircraft Training Systems, taught Spanish at Baylor University, the University of Texas at Arlington, and Tarrant County Junior College. He enjoyed painting, music and Baylor sports. He was preceded in death by his parents; his son, David Reyes; his sister, Serenita Reyes; and brother, Gonzalo Reyes. Survivors: His wife, Cari Reyes; son, Daniel Reyes and wife, Elena; sisters, Mary Reyes Whitlock, Carmen Reyes Bernal and husband, Samuel "Rudy"; brothers, Armando Reyes and Lionel Reyes and wife, Betty; and aunts, nieces, nephews and cousins.