Kevin T. Viator

1955 - 2015

Kevin T. Viator obituary, 1955-2015, San Antonio, TX

Kevin T. Viator

1955 - 2015

BORN

1955

DIED

2015

Kevin Viator Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Jun. 18, 2015.
Kevin T. Viator, 59, a Pt. Arthur, TX native, went to be with the Lord on June 17, 2015 in San Antonio after a brief but very aggressive battle with cancer. He was an Air Force veteran with 22 years of active duty service, retiring as a SMSgt, and then giving 15 more years of civil service to the Department of Homeland Security. Kevin was instrumental in the growth and development of the explosive detection working dog program at Lackland Air Force Base. He was a member of St. Anthony Mary Claret Catholic Church, a loving and attentive husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend. He was preceded in death by his parents, Wilmer J. and Dolores Viator and his brother, Brad Viator. Survivors include his wife, Detra Viator; his daughters Amy Chavez and Lauren Garcia; his sons-in-law, Ryan Chavez and Roland Garcia; his grandsons, Adam Rodriguez and Gavin Garcia, his brother, Len Viator and wife Nanette; sisters, Jodie Gouthier and husband Rodney, Karen Beeler and Beth Viator; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Visitation will be at Sunset Northwest Funeral Home on Bandera Rd, Sunday, June 21, 2015 from 6:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M. with a rosary at 7:00 P.M. A funeral mass will be celebrated at 10:00 A.M. Monday, June 22, 2015 at St. Anthony Mary Claret Catholic Church with interment to follow at Resurrection Cemetery with U.S. Air Force military honors. Please make donations to the American Lung Cancer Research, in memory of Kevin at www.lungcancerresearchfoundation.org, click on "donate", select "tribute gifts" and enter Kevin Viator. In the bottom section, please inform the email address, [email protected]

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November 6, 2015

Rick and Liz Kibbey posted to the memorial.

November 6, 2015

Bob Forsythe posted to the memorial.

November 6, 2015

Mike Caporaletti posted to the memorial.

Rick and Liz Kibbey

November 6, 2015

Kevin. It was my pleasure and honor to know and work with you. You are the best K9 guy in the business. You will be sorely missed brother.

Bob Forsythe

November 6, 2015

I had the privilege and pleasure of working with Kevin at Headquarters United States Air Forces Europe. He was a super troop and more than that he was a true friend to everyone. I know there were many, many friends glad to see him at Rainbow Bridge and many SP/SF waiting to welcome him. RIP Defender

Mike Caporaletti

November 6, 2015

Kevin
He was a good man and I enjoyed playing softball with him while we were at HQ USAFE/SP, Ramstein AB, Germany. RIP My Brother.

Anon Nymous

July 16, 2015

Good memories of working with you @ LAFB Medina Annex.

God Bless the family and Kevin, say hi to Trapper, as all dogs go to heaven.....

Philip Eastberg

July 9, 2015

RIP Kevin.

wilbur beamer

June 29, 2015

A great friend and coworker. I will miss him.

Thomas Mitchell

June 26, 2015

Thoughts and Prayers to Kevin's Family and Friends. I was proud to have served with Kevin and to have played ball with him and a great group of men. He will not be forgotten and always know how many lives human and canine that he affected, I know that Torr is playing ball in heaven now, he will be greatly missed,

June 25, 2015

Dee and Girls, we are so sorry for your loss. He will always be remembered. There's never been anyone I've known who had such a distinctive gait and (excuse the French) Sit Eat'n grin. Love and prayers to you all.

Mike Soto

June 25, 2015

Dee,
Kevin showed me the love someone has for family when I was not aware it existed. He accepted me, coached me and put up with me as an younger brother. I will forever me in his debt but
can certainly make payments by trying to be the man he was. Lauren and Amy - each time I checked in with your dad he
always told me how proud he was of you two. He would bragg
about you in the manner that only he could. All my love and
thoughts are with you.
Mike Soto

Gary Rogers

June 23, 2015

My sincere condolences to the Viator family. I only knew Kevin for about a year when he was detailed to NEDCTP HQ. He was a fine man and a straight shooter which I appreciated and respected about him. I could tell he was a good family man with much love for his wife, children, and grandchildren. He has touched many lives in a positive way. Rest in peace my friend!

Ed & Celia Ridel

June 23, 2015

Kevin will be missed but never forgotten. He was always there to help and provide guidance and direction in any matter. His sense of humor was a blessing. He always knew where to go for help and assistance in any aspect of the K-9 Program. Prayers and thoughts to his Family.

Scott Thomas

June 23, 2015

So few people have the ability to impact so many lives. Kevin lives on in all of those who knew him.

Eva Guerrero

June 23, 2015

Detra, Amy and Lauren. I cannot express my sadness in the passing of a great man such as Kevin. He was my hero and I bet he didn't even know it. Without even trying he helped me through the most worst moment in my life, he gave me encouragement through humor and he made everyday going to work something to look forward to. Thank you for sharing Kevin and I pray that the good Lord comfort you through this difficult time.

June 21, 2015

To the Viator Family,
My sincere condolences of the loss of Kevin. I have not seen Kevin for years,however I have very fond memories of him. We were at Lackland together as security police instructors and had many good laughs. He was the biggest Astros fan I knew besides myself. You all are in our prayers. May he rest in peace.
Frank Flores

Diana Thomas

June 21, 2015

Detra, Amy & Lauren,
I am so sorry for your loss. May God comfort you in this time of sadness. It was an honor knowing and working with Kevin. He paved the K9 road for many. He will be greatly missed. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Marge McCathern

June 21, 2015

Words seem inadequate to express the sadness we feel right now. Kevin was truly a gentleman and I'm so sorry for the tremendous loss your family must feel Detra. The K9 world so many of us shared with him is definitely feeling your loss.

Bobby & Anne Evans

June 21, 2015

Detra, Amy, Lauren and family, may God bless and comfort you during this difficult time. Kevin will be missed and we are so sad to lose such a very good friend and we know he is with our Lord in a much better place. Our love and prayers are with you.

Mary Barrera

June 20, 2015

Sending my love and condolences to the Viator Family. Kevin will be missed but not forgotten ever. He will always be in spirit at all Garcia and Viator Family events. His smile and hugs were special and will remain in our hearts. I love you Detra, Amy&family, Lauren&family. Prayers wrapped around you. Love you, Aunt Mary

David & Diane

June 20, 2015

A good man taken way too soon; you'll be missed Kevin.

Detra and family, our deepest condolences. Your family is in our prayers.

Cliff Borofsky CC/3282 SPS -Retired

June 20, 2015

My condolences and great respect for his outstanding service to the country.

Susan Brogdon

June 20, 2015

Heartfelt condolences to the Viator family. Detra, Amy, Lauren, I am so sorry for your loss. Susan Brogdon (former Jordan MS teacher)

Patty Fuller

June 20, 2015

I was honored to have known Kevin, a real gentleman. Taken from his friends and family too soon. "When the Lord calls our loved ones home, he leaves a gift of memories in exchange". I am blessed with several "Viator" stories.

Ron Sharpe

June 20, 2015

Although I hadn't talked to Kevin in far to many years I remember the great times we had together playing softball in the 80's for the 3280th Security Police Academy. My heartfelt condolences to the family.

Peter Dodd

June 19, 2015

He had the best sense of humor and was an excellent public speaker.

Mike & Cindy Griffin

June 19, 2015

Detra and Family, You have my deepest condolences for your loss. I will forever remember this wonderful man. He is the one that gave a lot of people a professional future in the K-9 Program. Peace be with you.

Becky Porter

June 19, 2015

RIP cuz.

Steve Joyce

June 19, 2015

Detra, Amy and Lauren, I honestly could go on for hours and hours on all the great things Kevin (Heffe) has done for our K9 world and how knowing/working with him and for him has enriched my life. My heart hurts at this loss and please know that the Viator family has a special place with my family and I, always and forever... Heffe wasn't the best, he is the best....

Bobby & Anne Evans

June 19, 2015

Detra, Amy, and family, may God bless and comfort you all during this difficult time. We wish to express our deepest sympathy to you and your family. Kevin will truely be missed by all who knew him and we are espically sad to lose such a very good friend that has always been there over the years to share the good and the bad times and give us guidance and help whenever we needed it. Our love and prayers are with you.

Ginny Beauman

June 19, 2015

Detra, Amy, and Lauren
Kevin always spoke his mind, was a stand up guy, loyal to a fault, and proud of who he was and what he did. He knew how to keep people listening; what a great story-teller. He love you all and you could hear it in his voice when he told a story about one of you. Cherish the memories and he will always be just a thought away.

Earl Gill

June 19, 2015

It was an honor to serve with you in the military and again with DHS. I'll never forget our discussions about the Cowboys. May you rest in peace.

Linda Burke

June 19, 2015

Detra,
I will miss Kevin coming by the office to say hello to me and Eva. It was a privileged to know him. He was the best boss ever and I miss his stories, letting us to be able to have in the office a TSA puppy from the puppy program to socialize. Again, my family and I send our condolences and are sorry for you and your family loss.

Caitlin, Dan, Addison, & Kiley Armbruster

June 19, 2015

We wish to express our condolences to you. Please know that you and your family are surrounded by the love of many who care.

Dianne Gonsoulin

June 19, 2015

Detra, I am so sorry for your loss and prayers to you and your family. My deepest sympathy, Love cuz, Dianne Gonsoulin

Kelly Claville

June 19, 2015

Dear Mrs. Viator, Amy, Lauren and family we pray that God will give you peace that surpasses all understanding. We will continue to pray for you all. Love you!

Joyce and David Daspit

June 19, 2015

We know that the words we share with you today will in no means ease the pain your feeling, however they will give you comfort in knowing you are truly love by all. Kevin will be missed by all. God Bless You and your family. Love, David Joyce, and Anthony Daspit

Mary Jane Thomas

June 19, 2015

May Love, prayers, and good memories get you all through this difficult time. Kevin will be missed.

Paul Kuhn

June 19, 2015

May you rest in the arms of our Lord and Savior my dear cuz

Cindy & Robert Miller

June 19, 2015

Sending our prayers to the Viator Families. Praying for your peace and comfort.

June 18, 2015

Detra and Family, Kevin will be missed as a good friend and neighbor.May the blessings of the Lord be with you.May he rest in peace.God Bless,......Daniel and Elly

john barras

June 18, 2015

May you rest in peace

June 18, 2015

Sending our condolences to the family. You are in our prayers.
The Ramirez Family, Kacy, Mando and Kailey

Lake Amistad

Xavier (Sandy) Sandoval

June 18, 2015

In memory of a good man, boss and friend.
I will miss our fishing trips but will cherish the memories.

Denise Wyble McGowin

June 18, 2015

May his light always shine upon you, and his memory always burn bright in your heart.

Denise Wyble McGowin

June 18, 2015

Dee Dee, Amy and Lauren, my heart breaks for all of you with the loss of Kevin. I pray that you all will find peace just knowing that he is in the presence of our Lord and not in any pain anymore. I love you all and praying for all of you. I know that your faith will get you all through this.

Barbara Stadts

June 18, 2015

Years of great memories to hold onto. Kevin will always be in our K9 stories. God will carry you through this journey. He will be in your hearts.

Patti & Steve Toy

June 18, 2015

We were so sorry to hear of your loss. Please let us know if there is anything we can do to help at this time.

Jeff Massey

June 18, 2015

Gone but never forgotten, may you rest in peace. Until we meet again my friend.

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Sunset Northwest Funeral Home

6321 Bandera Road, San Antonio, TX 78238

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Sign Kevin Viator's Guest Book

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November 6, 2015

Rick and Liz Kibbey posted to the memorial.

November 6, 2015

Bob Forsythe posted to the memorial.

November 6, 2015

Mike Caporaletti posted to the memorial.