Samuel Medrano Sr

On the first day of Spring, Thursday March 20, 2014 Samuel Medrano Sr. was assigned by the good Lord to make his 32nd and final jump. The former paratrooper had "boots on the ground" in Heaven at about noon - leaving this world at around the same time he was brought into it. He was born to Luz and Antonio Medrano at about noon on Sept. 17, 1940. He attended Aoy Elementary School and spent summers running through the streets of Downtown before becoming a Bowie High School Bear. At 17, he joined the U.S. Army and earned his "paratrooper wings" with the 82nd and later joined 101st "Screaming Eagles," completing 31 jumps. During his time with the Army, he traveled around the United States and to Germany. But he would tell you the most important thing about his time in the military was that it taught him respect, discipline and helped him grow up. In 1960, he was honorably discharged and the next year he married his "Presley," Elvira, his wife to this day. As Sam began the next chapter of his life, he took pride in everything he did. He was proud of everything he did and had the type of charm that could sweep you off your feet or knock you off of them. Professionally, he shot for the stars and got it. He sweet talked himself into a job at the State Center of El Paso. He was not qualified but he winged it until he knew it and then he succeeded at it. He was one of the young of his siblings, making him the bottom of the totem poll, but he was the foundation for all his siblings, Bertha Lucia, Carlos, Armando, Alfredo, Manual, Antonio, Daniel, Martin, Maria Teresa, Delia and Gracie. Sam's biggest source of pride are his four children. When each of his children turned 21 he took pride in taking them to Las Vegas for their first time. Sam's heart filled with joy as his oldest son, Sam Jr., graduated from law school and passed the bar. When "Gavilan" had his first trial, Sam was sitting in the gallery watching and glowing with pride. Then there was the apple of his eye, his one and only daughter, Letty. "Flaca Fea," who could do no wrong, even if she was ran late from time to time. His heart melted as he watched her grow into a beautiful woman with a wonderful heart. The third child, Mike, followed his father's footsteps and enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, Sam watched his boy grow with every promotion ceremony on the way to retiring Mike Medrano Maj (RET). Sam's youngest son, Luis always had a special piece of his heart. When Luis made the rank of sergeant with the Texas Corrections Department, it was gratifying for Sam to see that "Chickee," found something he loved. As great as all of those accomplishment were, Sam treasured the days each of his children became parents. Being a grandpa was the easiest job Sam ever had. When it came to grandkids, Aaron, Leilani, Tara, Sara, Jimmy, Michelle, Bella, Tony, Nadia, Samantha and Isaac, he could be soft and gentle or even silly. Sam, dad or grandpa may of never hit the jackpot in Vegas, but he was always a rich man because of his family. Rosary services will be at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday at Martin Funeral Home, 3839 Montana Avenue. Mass will be at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday at San Antonio De Padua Parish, 503 Hunter Drive, followed by the burial at Fort Bliss Memorial Cemetery.