Born June 16, 1964, in Manila, Philippines, he was the son of Shirley Lee Smith and Ricardo Aquino Sr. He lived in the Philippines and Guam until 1973 when his family moved back to the United States. They then lived in Oklahoma City and Hartshorne. He graduated Hartshorne High School in 1982. While still in school, he joined the Oklahoma Army National Guard where he spent 16 years serving his state and country. He was attached to the 445th Military Police Company and was activated and deployed to the Middle East during Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm. He was also activated and deployed to the Alfred P. Murrah Federal building in Oklahoma City shortly after the April 19, 1995 terrorist bombing.
He served proudly and became an active member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars upon his return from the Middle East. He worked tirelessly to help other veterans in need of guidance and advice.
He was employed by McAlester Employment Office as the Veterans liaison until his illness forced him into early retirement.
He married Marcy Pipkins on Aug. 23, 1986, in Eufaula, and they had one son.
Survivors include his son, Shane; his sister, Lu Aquino; brothers Rick Aquino, Don Fernandez, Ramon Fernandez, and Ronnie Fernandez; his father, Ricky Aquino, and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Shirley; stepfather, Don, and niece Portia.
Funeral services will be 10:00am Monday, September 23, 2013 in Edwards Funeral Home Chapel with burial to follow at Fort Smith National Cemetery. Visitation will be from 3:00 to 5:00pm Sunday, September 22, 2013 at Edwards Funeral Home.
To view an online guestbook, visit www.edwardsfuneralhome.com.
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