Police Officer Jaime Padron, a Marine for all time

Jaime Padron was born July 5, 1971 and passed away on April 6, 2012 in Austin, Texas.

Jaime graduated from Christoval High School in 1989 where he loved to play football.  He joined the United States Marine Corps that summer.  While serving on active duty he received numerous recognitions, commendations and medals for his service.  He served in Desert Storm and was proud to be a Marine.  He completed his service in the Marines in 1997.

Jaime served the City of San Angelo, Texas for over 13 years as a patrol officer and also was a member of the gang unit and a narcotics investigator.

Jaime became a police officer for the City of Austin in 2008 where he served until his death.  His honors from the Austin Police include Master Police Officer and Purple Heart with Valor, which he received for his actions at the time of his death.

In the early morning of April 6, 2012, Jaime was dispatched to a Walmart Supercenter Store in North Austin.  There he made contact with, and attempted to apprehend, a shoplifter.  During that effort, the subject pulled a handgun, and shot Jaime through the neck.  Officer Jaime Padron, a Marine for life, bled to death  on the floor of the Walmart, as Walmart employees subdued the subject and attempted to save Jaime's  life.

Jaime Padron was a compassionate and caring man, who loved spending quality time with his family and his every devotion in life was for his daughters.

Jaime had a passion for Harley Davidson motorcycles and loved riding often and collecting memorabilia.  He also enjoyed playing golf and was an avid runner.

A memorial service was held on April 11 at the Shoreline Church, where the flags flew at half staff.  In attendance were hundreds, perhaps thousands, of police officers from all over Texas and hundreds more of family, friends and well wishers who came to honor Jaime Padron.

Also present were the Patriot Guard Riders who formed a line of American flags at the entrance to the church as the mourners arrived.

The service commenced with the playing of Amazing Grace.  The service included a Tribute by Austin Police Chief Art Acevedo which was moving, and humorous, and included a detailed description of how he first met Jaime.  Chief Acevedo called up to the stage the two Walmart employees who had subdued the subject, and they received a standing ovation.  The Chief observed that there are good people who are willing to risk their lives to help the police, rather than to constantly complain.

At the conclusion of the service, the flag draped casket was carried from the church outside to a simulated grave site, complete with a traditional blue canvas shelter.  There the casket was placed upon a bier and police honors were rendered,

The Honors afforded by the dozens of Honor Guards from all over the state, included the Austin Pipe and Drum Corps playing Amazing Grace.  Taps was played, and the seven rifle detail fired three volleys of fire.

The American flag that draped the casket was carefully folded into a tight triangle by the Police Honor Guard and passed to Chief Acevedo who presented it to one of Jaime's daughters.  A second folded flag was presented to his other daughter.  Chief Acevedo presented the Purple Heart with Valor to Jaime's dearly beloved mother.

The service ended with the traditional retirement of the badge of a fallen officer.   Jaime's badges from San Angelo Police Department and Austin Police Department were retired.

The casket was carried from the shelter and placed into a waiting black hearse.  That hearse was then escorted by hundreds of Police Officers on motorcycles as it made it's way from the church in North Austin south through central Austin and then west to the outskirts of the city.  Along the way, hundreds of people lined the highway to honor a fallen officer of their city.

The hearse drove, with a smaller escort, to San Angelo, Texas, where it arrived at a funeral home after dark.  As the hearse passed through the towns in west Texas, citizens stood along the roadway.

On April 13, a Funeral Mass was celebrated at St. Joseph Catholic Church in San Angelo.  Interment followed at Lawnhaven Memoral Park in San Angelo.  At the cemetery, the American flag that draped the casket was carefully folded by two United States Marines into the traditional triangle, and was presented to Jaime's father, Juan, by an Officer of Marines, on behalf of the President of the United States, the Commandant of the Marine Corps, and a grateful nation as a symbol of our appreciation for Jaime's service to Country and Corps.

A Police Bugler played Taps, and seven rifles fired three volleys of fire.

Master Police Officer Jaime Padron, a Marine for life, was then laid to rest in the city in which he began his heroic and storied police career.

Left to cherish his memory are his father, and his mother, Zoila, his daughters, Ari and Livi, their mother, Amy, two brothers and a sister, and thousands of others who were inspired by his life.

Jaime, we will miss you for this lifetime but will be elated to see you again in God's Kingdom.

Semper Fi

 

With thanks to the published obituary for biographical information and to Quita Culpepper KVUE-TV, KXAN-TV, Ralph Barrera American-Statesman and Cynthia Esparaza Standard-Times for additional photographs.

TSgt Earl Layton, United States Air Force, Ret.

Earl Layton was born January 8, 1932 in Bonner Springs, Kansas and passed away on March 29, 2012 in Temple, Texas at the age of 80.

Earl proudly served his country in the United States Air Force, retiring in 1969.  He then owned and operated several full service garages, and later became an insurance salesman.  He was a resident of Killeen, Texas for over 30 years.  He enjoyed watching old movies, traveling and sharing his memories with others.

An interment service was held on April 3 at the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery at Killeen.  As the family arrived for the service, they were welcomed by fifty American flags, blowing in the southerly Texas wind, and the Patriot Guard Riders.

After the Air Force Honor Guard moved the flag draped casket from the hearse to the committal shelter, the Riders formed a line of American flags along the front of the shelter.

The Honor Guard carefully folded the flag that draped the casket into a tight triangle and passed it to a senior Non-Commissioned Officer.  The Air Force bugler played taps, followed by the firing of three volleys of fire by the detail of three rifles.

The folded flag was then presented to Earl's dear wife, Ruth, on behalf of the President of the United States, the Department of the Air Force, and a grateful nation for the faithful and dedicated service of Earl to his country.

A clergyman then read from the scripture and led the gathering in the final prayers.

TSgt Earl Layton was laid to rest on the sloping hillside, as the American flag flew at half-staff in his honor at the top of the hill.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, a brother, three children, five grandchildren, three great-grandchildren and a host of other dear family and friends.

 

Miss me, But Let Me Go

When I come to the end of the road

And the sun has set for me

I want no rites in a gloom-filled room,

Why cry for a soul set free?

Miss me a little but not too long,

And not with your head bowed low,

Remember the love that we once shared.

Miss me...but let me go.

For this is a journey that we all must take,

And each must go alone.

It's all a part of the master plan

A step on the road to home.

When you are lonely and sick of heart,

Go to the friends we know,

And bury your sorrow in doing good deeds,

Miss me...but let me go.

anonymous

With thanks to Crawford-Bowers Funeral Home for biographical information and photo.

SFC Gerald Valentine, United States Army, Ret.

Gerald Valentine was born September 5, 1944 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana  and passed away on March 27, 2012 in Temple, Texas at the age of 67.

Gerald proudly served his country in the United States Army for more than twenty years, as an engineer, and retired with the rank of Sergeant First Class.  He then was employed as an engineer in the civil service.

Gerald's military service include duty in Vietnam, where he was a platoon sergeant.  Although he didn't know it at the time, he was a self-described "dead man walking".  For it was his exposure to Agent Orange in Vietnam which led to his death from prostate cancer.  At the end, he chose to die on his terms.

Gerald met, and married, his wife, Karin, in Ulm, Germany in 1970.  Gerald was a proud Harley owner and enjoyed riding his motorcycles with his wife.

Funeral services were held on April 3 at the St. Paul Chong Hasang Catholic Church in Harker Heights, Texas.  In attendance were the Patriot Guard Riders who formed a  line of American flags at the entrance to welcome the family.

After the service, the Riders led the funeral procession to the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery at Killeen, Texas.  There the family was greeted by fifty American flags lining the roadway.

The flag draped casket was moved from the hearse to the committal shelter by the United States Army Honor Guard.  The Riders  formed a line of flags around the shelter as final prayers and honors were rendered.

An Army Non-Commissioned Officer read the eulogy, and Army Captain Opra, a Catholic Chaplain, performed the rite of committal.

The Army detail of  five rifles fired three volleys of fire representing Duty, Honor and Country.

A bag piper played the mournful tune, taps.

The Honor Guard carefully folded the American flag that draped the casket into a tight triangle and passed it to an Army Staff Sergeant.  He presented the flag to Karin on behalf of a grateful nation and the United States Army as a token of appreciation for Gerald's honorable and faithful service.

SFC Gerald Valentine was then laid to rest on the plain of the hill, as the American flag flew at half-staff, in his honor, at the top of the hill.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, two sons, a daughter, a brother, three grandchildren and a host of other dear family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Prostate Cancer Foundation on line at http://www.pcf.org.

Lord's Prayer

Our Father, who art in heaven,

Hallowed by thy Name.

Thy kingdom come.

Thy will be done,

On earth as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread.

And forgive us our trespasses,

As we forgive those who trespass against us.

And lead us not into temptation,

But deliver us from evil.

Amen

With thanks to the Crawford-Bowers Funeral Home for biographical information and additional photos.

Scott K. Gregory, United States Army Veteran

Scott Gregory was born February 3, 1947 in Salt Lake City, Utah and passed away March 29, 2012 at the VA Hospital in Temple, Texas.

Scott proudly served his country in the United States Army, including service in Vietnam.  After his military service, he worked, and retired from, the Nevada Test Site, after many years in the mining industry.

Scott loved raising horses, and trained them for rodeo events with his children and grandchildren.  He was active with the rodeo in Pahrump, Nevada, one of his true passions.

Scott spent countless hours in his shop, building anything and everything for his grandchildren. He loved having his "handy-helpers", his grand-kids, around at all times.  Scott lived everyday to the fullest, and cherished each of his family and friends.

Scott was fortunate to be surrounded by his family when the Lord called him home.

Interment services, with military honors were held on April 2 at the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery at Killeen, Texas.  In attendance were the Patriot Guard Riders and fifty American flags, blowing in the Texas wind.

The flag draped casket was moved from the hearse into the committal shelter by six men, decked out in white shirts, cowboy hats, denim pants and cowboy boots.  All fit for a rodeo!  The belts sported huge rodeo buckles.

After the casket was placed at rest in the shelter, the Patriot Guard Riders formed a line of American flags around the shelter, as a clergyman said the final prayers.  One of Scott's daughters read the eulogy.

The United States Army Honor Guard rendered military honors.  The bugler played taps, and the flag that draped the casket was folded into a tight triangle and presented to Scott's dearly beloved wife, Donna, on behalf of a grateful nation and the United States Army as a token of appreciation for his honorable and faithful service.

Scott Gregory, Vietnam Veteran, was then laid to rest on the sloping hillside, as the American flag flew at half-staff at the top of the hill in his honor.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, four children, eight grandchildren, three siblings and a host of other dear family and friends.

When I must Leave You

When I must leave you

For a little while-

Please do not grieve

And shed wild tears

And hug your sorrow to you

Through the years,

But start out bravely

With a gallant smile;

And for my sake and

in my name live on

and do all things the same,

Feed not your loneliness

On empty days,

But fill each waking hour

In useful ways,

Reach out your hand

In comfort and in cheer

And I in turn will comfort you

And hold you near;

And never, never

Be afraid to die,

For I am waiting for you in the sky!

Helen Steiner Rice

With thanks to Crawford-Bowers Funeral Home for biographical information and photo.

SSG Carlos Diaz, United States Army, Ret.

Carlos Diaz was born April 21, 1957 at Manhattan, New York and passed away March 19, 2012 in Killeen, Texas at the age of 54.

Carlos proudly served his country in the United States Army and was retired.

Interment services, with military honors, were held on April 2 at the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery at Killeen.  In attendance were the Patriot Guard Riders who formed a line of American flags around the committal shelter during the service.

Captain Cook, a United States Chaplain, said the final prayers.  One of Carlos' daughters read the eulogy. 

An Army rifle detail of five rifles fired three volleys of fire, representing Duty, Honor and Country.  The Army bugler played taps.  The Army Honor Guard folded the American that covered the casket into a traditional triangle and passed it to an Army Non-Commissioned Officer.  He presented the flag to Carlos' dear wife, Carmen, on behalf of a grateful nation and the United States Army as a token of appreciation for his honorable and faithful service.

SSG Carlos Diaz was laid to rest on the grassy plain of the cemetery, as the American flag flew at half-staff, in his honor, at the top of the hill.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, two daughters, two grandchildren and a host of other dear family and friends.

Remember Me

Fill not your hearts with pain and sorrow,

but remember me in every tomorrow.

Remember the joy, the laughter, the smiles,

I've only gone to rest a little while.

Although my leaving causes pain and grief,

my going has eased my hurt,

and given me relief.

So dry your eyes and remember me,

not as I am now, but as I used to be.

Because, I will remember you all,

and look on with a smile.

Understand in your hearts,

I've only gone to rest a little while.

As long as I have the love of each of you,

I can live my life in the hearts of all of you.

With thanks to Crawford-Bowers Funeral home for biographical information.

MSG Robert Spatzier, United States Army, Ret.

Robert Spatzier was born January 13, 1942 in New York, New York and passed away on March 16, 2012 in Copperas Cove, Texas at the age of 70.

Robert proudly served his country in the United States Army for over 26 years and retired at the rank of Master Sergeant.

His numerous military decorations and awards include the Army Commendation Medal and four awards of the Good Conduct Medal.

Robert married Maria Regina Bernardelli on March 20, 1976 in Soave, Italy. To this union was born one son, who lives in Italy with his wife Eleanor.

Funeral Services were held on March 22 at the Sheppard Funeral Home in Copperas Cove, Texas, with Father Reese Hutcheson officiating. In attendance were the Patriot Guard Riders who formed a line of American flags at the entrance to welcome the arriving family and friends.

After the service, the Riders led the procession to the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery, at Killeen, Texas. There, the Riders formed a line of flags around the committal shelter as final prayers were said by an United States Army Chaplain.

The Army Honor Guard rendered full military honors. The Army detail of five rifles fired three volleys of fire, representing Duty, Honor and Country. The Army bugler, standing in the shade two live oak trees, played taps. A song bird performed his happy melody in the tree above.

The Honor Guard carefully unfolded the American flag that rested next to the cremains, and carefully refolded it into a tight triangle and ceremoniously passed it to an Army Staff Sergeant, who presented the flag to Robert's dear wife on behalf of a grateful nation and the United States Army, as a token of appreciation for Robert's honorable and faithful service.

The cremains of Master Sergeant Robert Galiana were buried on the shoulder of the cemetery hill, as the American flag flew at half-staff, in his honor, at the top of the hill.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, his son and his wife and numerous other dear family and friends.

With thanks to Sheppard Funeral Home for biographical information.

TSgt Jack Barron, United States Air Force, Ret.

Jack Barron was born June 15, 1927 in Cisco, Texas and passed away March 25, 2012 in Belton, Texas at the age of 84.

Jack was raised in the Temple, Belton, Killeen, Texas area and was a member of Trimmier Baptist Church in Killeen.

Jack proudly served his country in the United States Air Force for more than twenty years and retired with the rank of Tech Sergeant. After his retirement, he worked for Connell Chevrolet for 25 years and in Civil Service at Fort Hood.

Jack received the Top Airman's Medal for Bravery during Peacetime for actions on February 16, 1959, which was presented to him thirty years later at Bergstrom Air Force Base in Austin.

Jack was a lifetime member of VFW, DAV and the American Legion. He held Texas and national offices for over twenty years.

Jack was preceded in death by Beverly, his dear wife, in 2008.

A funeral service was held on March 29 at the Crawford-Bowers Funeral Home in Killeen. In attendance were the Patriot Guard Riders who formed a line of American flags at the entrance to welcome the family and friends.

After the service, the Riders led the funeral procession to the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery at Killeen. There, the riders formed a line of American flags around the committal shelter as final prayers were said and military honors afforded.

The American flag that draped the coffin was carefully folded into the traditional triangle, and passed to a Senior Non-Commissioned Officer.

The final prayers were said by a Chaplain, who read from 2 Corinthians Chapter 4, verses 16-18.

"For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal."

The Air Force Honor Guard's three rifle detail fired three volleys of fire, representing Duty, Honor and Country.

The Bugler played taps.

The folded flag was then presented to the family on behalf of the President of the United States, the Department of the Air Force, and a grateful nation, for the faithful and dedicated service of TSgt Jack Barron.

Jack Barron was then laid to rest on the grassy plain of the cemetery, as the American flag flew at half-staff on the hill above in his honor.

Left to cherish his memory are his four sons, two daughters, 17 grandchildren and 27 great-grandchildren.








With thanks to the Killeen Daily Herald for biographical information and to the Crawford-Bowers Funeral Home for additional photographs.