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BORN
1952
DIED
2019
Raul Contreras Obituary
God saw you getting tired; a cure was not to be.
So He wrapped His arms around you and He whispered, "Come with Me."
With tearful eyes I watched you slowly fade away.
Although I loved you dearly, I could not make you stay.
A golden heart stopped beating, hard-working hand put to rest.
God broke my heart to show me, He only takes the best.
Raul Contreras went home to Jesus' loving arms on March 28, 2019 after a brave battle against cancer.
Raul was a wonderful husband, devoted son, loving brother, favorite uncle and loyal friend. A hard worker who started shining shoes when he was 5 years old and never stopped working until he retired from the San Antonio Independent School District Police Department in 2007. The majority of his career, Raul served as a campus officer assigned to Lanier HS, Fox Tech HS, Brackenridge HS, Navarro Achievement Center, Burbank HS, and Rhodes MS. Raul received many accolades and awards throughout his career, the greatest being the Medal of Valor which he earned for stopping a heavily armed outsider from ambushing students as they exited Brackenridge HS.
While assigned to Lanier HS, in 1983, Raul met the love of his life, Lisa. Throughout their careers, they had each other's full support. Regardless of campus assignments, they attended countless games, dances, and other campus activities together. Raul took great pleasure in their extensive travels throughout the United States. Weekends frequently found them enjoying the Hill Country or the Texas coast. Through his actions and words, Raul showed Lisa how very much she was loved and cherished each and every day of their 36 years together.
Raul is preceded in death by his father, Jose Contreras, and is survived by Lisa, his mother, Maria Contreras, sisters Rachel Domingez, Elena Durbin, Alice Miranda, Linda Fuentes, Joanne Contreras, Kathy Vasques, and brothers, Ralph Contreras, Jerry Contreras, Albert Contreras and many nieces, nephews and in-laws.
Lisa would like to thank Dr. Juanita Sprute for her years of care, compassion, love and support, and Vitas Hospice, especially Jeff Joseph for his compassionate care and special bond with Raul.
A celebration of Raul's life will be held on Thursday, April 4, 2019 at St. Gregory's Catholic Church.
Visitation: 10:00 am
Rosary: 11:00 am
Holy Mass:11:30 am
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Raul Contreras
Raul Lopez
August 16, 2025
First, my condolences to Raul's wife and family. I grew up 1 block away from where Raul lived. I also shined shoes growing up and I would wave at him when I saw him. Rest in Peace my friend, you are now with the lord.
Martha Ramirez (De La Cruz)
April 6, 2019
First of all, my sincere condolences to his wife and the rest of his family. I did not know Raul but my sister was in the same high school class with him. I know his sister, Linda. She and I were in the same year class. Linda, I'm so sorry that you lost your dear brother. I know how hard that is, since I too have lost a brother (way to young at that-George De La Cruz). My sincere condolences to you. RIP Raul.
April 5, 2019
I've tried to write this several times but had to stop because of my tears. Lisa, my dear sister, I hurt for you because I know how precious Raul was to you and I know how hard you tried to save him. No worda will suffice, but know that I loved, respected and admired Raul. I always described him to people as the "salt of the earth"...something no one who knew him could deny and someone all of us will miss. He truly was a gentle giant, both in stature and heart. Everyone that ever saw the two of you together had to notice your devotion to one another and I'm sure many were inspired to emulate it.
He was always so very good to our parents and honored Daddy's request that he look after Mama after he died. I'm sure that they were both waiting with open arms to welcome him at the Pearly Gates.
Remember, you are strong, you can do this. I love you both.
Elaine Guajardo
April 4, 2019
My dearest Lisa,
Raul was your rock and you always shined from ear to ear when you spoke of him. Raul is with the Lord now but he will be in our hearts. A dedicated man who gave his time to our children in SAISD. Raul was blessed with those around him and the Love the two of you will always have for each other.
Love you dearly,
Elaine Guajardo
Sherry Sexton
April 1, 2019
May God bring comfort to Raul's family. Bear, as we knew him, had a natural gift of being keenly aware, street smart, and excellent at reading people. I admired his ability to know something was about to happen before it actually did. He was calm, generous, and very loyal to individual brothers and sisters in Blue. My prayers for Lisa, for her heart and strength, and may God's grace keep her well.
Rest in Peace Bear
Stan Slate
April 1, 2019
Mellonie FitzSimon Ketcham
April 1, 2019
BabyO, I am so very sorry about Raul. He was such a wonderful man, and, I know this will be overwhelming for you. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Raul was very special to me and especially Matthew, my son. On Easter, he would go to the "park' , at Aunt Dorothy's, and push Matt on the swings or jungle gym, and make the whole day fun for Matt. I'll never forget Raul and his gentle ways and kindness... God will give you peace and comfort, BabyO...Wish I could be there, today...Love you, Mell
MariaElena Durbin
April 1, 2019
Thank you for all the wonderful memories. I will love you and miss you forever. Love, Your sister, Elena
Mike Smith
April 1, 2019
To the Contreras family and to Lisa, my deepest sympathy. Raul was a gentle man and truly a gentleman of the highest caliber always greatly admired in life and to be forever remembered in eternal life.
March 31, 2019
May God keep you and bless you and my deepest condolences to the Contreras Family. An old friend Belinda Licea-Pruett
David Johnsen
March 31, 2019
I appreciated Bear for his sensitivity to the needs of people around him, his gentle demeanor, and ease of smile. He was a good police officer who demonstrated many times his compassion for students who were in trouble. And he never hesitated to make himself available for needs of the Department. As a police chief, I could not have asked for more than Raul gave to those around him and to me.
Thank you, Lisa, for sharing this wonderful man with us. May the God of all peace strengthen you in this very difficult time.
Richard Palomo
March 31, 2019
Rest In Peace my brother! We have the watch. I had the honor and blessing to serve with Raul, aka Bear during my time with SAISD Police Department. He was a humble and caring man and had a great work ethic! I will always cherish our memories of this great man and gentle gaint! He left us to soon and although he is no longer here his memory willl live on and his impact that he had on others will continue for generations to come.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Matthew 5:9
Chief Richard B. Palomo
Circa. 1984
Randy Hernandez Bivin
March 31, 2019
I met Bear around January of 1978. This was at Jefferson High School. I was the newly assigned Campus Officer and Bear was on the Custodial Staff there. As we got to know one another, Bear said to me - "I want to be like you." My response was - "You will have to shrink down at least a foot." I lost contact with Bear for a while. I was at a reception for Walter Martinez at the SAF Union Building, and who was tending bar - yes, it was Bear. When I walked up to him he had a big smile on his face. Then he showed me a Police Badge from Somerset, Tx. I told him I was proud of him. Shortly after that Bear came to work at the SAISD Department of Safety. Over the years we shared numerous adventures on duty and off. Bear was a true friend and greatly missed. Randy Hernandez Bivin
Laura Salazar
March 31, 2019
Bull, my Lanier HS & SAISD buddy. May you Rest In Peace. My condolences to Lisa and the family.
March 31, 2019
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
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