Heriberto Ramirez

We celebrate the life of our beloved father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, Heriberto Eddie Ramirez Sr., as we lovingly say farewell for now, holding fast to the promise that we will see him again. He passed away at his home on December 17, 2025, at the age of 94.

Heriberto was the devoted husband of his late wife, Josefina Gonzalez Ramirez. After 48 years of marriage and 16 years following her passing, we take comfort in believing they are dancing together again in the heavens above.

Born on July 29, 1931, in Nuevo Laredo, Mexico, to Maria Guadalupe Hernandez and Cleofas Ramirez, Heriberto was raised with strong values of hard work, dedication, and family. He later made his home in San Antonio, Texas, where he spent the majority of his life.

In 1952, while a Mexican citizen residing in the United States, Heriberto was drafted into the U.S. Army and proudly served in the 3rd Infantry Division during the Korean War. His division endured intense combat, including the desperate defense of positions near the infamous ?Bloody Angle? against massive Chinese and North Korean assaults. He operated a half-track equipped with twin .50-caliber machine guns. He was honorably discharged as a Sergeant in 1954. Through his service, he earned the opportunity to pursue higher education using the GI Bill, majoring in engineering at the University of Texas, and became a naturalized U.S. citizen in 1955.

Heriberto dedicated his professional life to public service as a civil engineer with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Among his notable projects was contributing to the soil analysis and concrete foundation design for the Johnson Space Center in Houston. He later continued his career at Lackland Air Force Base, where he worked until his retirement in 1993.

A devoted family man, Heriberto cherished time spent with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. His retirement years were filled with joy, laughter, and the simple pleasures he loved most?listening to mariachi and Tejano music, dancing, playing pool and ping-pong, and making frequent trips to Las Vegas. Fiercely independent to the very end, he continued to live on his own terms, driving himself wherever he pleased and remaining socially active, valuing his independence as much as his connections with others. When asked about the secret to his longevity, he would smile and say it was a shot of tequila a day.

Heriberto was preceded in death by his parents, Maria Guadalupe Hernandez and Cleofas Ramirez; his beloved wife, Josefina; and his grandson, Richard Ramirez. He is survived by his five children: Maria (Ramon) Ortega, Heriberto (Rebecca) Ramirez Jr., Gerardette Woods, Mario Ramirez, and Cynthia Duron, all of San Antonio. He also leaves behind his grandchildren: Matthew (Ariel) Ortega, Michael (Mary) Ortega, Melissa (Justin) Lopez, Jacob Ramirez, Travis (Bri) Woods, Tristan (Daniel) Woods, Trinity Woods, Alex (Gen) Ramirez, Jessica (Miranda) Ramirez, Mario C. Ramirez, Dylan Duron, Vincente (Trisha) Duron, and Isabella Duron, as well as 13 great-grandchildren.

Heriberto Ramirez lived a life defined by service, perseverance, and deep love for his family. He will be dearly missed, forever remembered, and always held close in the hearts of those who were blessed to know and love him.