CWO4 Adrian Munoz, Sr., United States Army, Ret.

 Adrian Munoz, Sr. was born at the King Ranch in south Texas on October 15, 1933.  He passed away January 1, 2013, aged 79, at his residence, surrounded by his family.



Adrian grew up in south Texas and graduated from Piedmont High School.  He was drafted into the Army after graduation and served, proudly, for 39 years in the Army and in the National Guard.  While in the service he attended Liberty University  in Virginia.  Adrian was a veteran of the Korean War and also served in Germany.



Adrian was a retiree from the military, Federal Government and the State of Texas.  His many awards and decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, the Lone Star Distinguished Service Medal and the Texas Faithful Service Medal, awarded six times.






Adrian enjoyed dancing, camping and hunting.  He was a fan of the Texas Longhorns, and he enjoyed making people laugh during his occasional days as a clown.  He was a talented musician, playing drums, the accordion and the guitar.

Adrian was a deeply religious man and was a Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus.



On January 7, a Mass and funeral service for Adrian was held at St. Anthony's Catholic Church in Kyle, Texas.   On hand to honor this veteran were the Patriot Guard Riders of the Austin Region.  After the service, the Riders led the funeral procession to the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery at Killeen, Texas, where the family was welcomed by more Patriot Guard Riders and fifty American flags blowing briskly in the Texas wind.



After the flag draped coffin was moved from the coach to the committal shelter, the Riders formed a line of flags around the shelter during the service.



A Catholic Chaplain of the United States Army led the gathering in the final prayers and the graveside Rite of Committal.  A family friend, an Army Officer, spoke of the Munoz family tradition of loyalty and morality.



Adrian's son, Adrian, Jr., called out "The Final Roll Call."  He called, in turn, the names of the various members of the family and friends who have served in the military, by rank and name.  Each, in turn, replied, "Here, Sir.'  The Roll Call ended by calling out, three times, the name,  Chief Warrant Officer 4 Adrian Munoz, Sr.  The lack of response represented the absence of a fallen soldier.



The United States Army Honor Detail performed full military honors.  The detail of five rifles fired three volleys of fire representing Duty, Honor and Country.  The Army Bugler played taps, as all in attendance stood, facing the coffin.


The Detail folded the American flag that draped the coffin into a perfect triangle and ceremoniously passed it to a Captain of the United States Army.  He presented it to Adrian's dear wife of 56 years, on behalf of a grateful nation and the United States Army as a token of appreciation for Adrian's honorable and faithful service.


Adrian, Jr.,then presented folded flags to each of his four sisters.  The service concluded with the presentation of a folded flag to Jr., himself a veteran and a Patriot Guard Rider, by an Officer of the United States Army.



CWO4 Adrian Munoz, Sr., was then laid to rest on the wind swept plain as the American flag flew at half-staff in his honor at the top of the hill.

Left to cherish his memory are Gracie, his wife, his four daughters and one son, 17 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren and a host of other dear family and friends.

With thanks to the Harrell Funeral Home for biographical information and additional photograph.