Dr. Jose Angel Cardenas

Dr. Jose Angel Cardenas was born in Laredo, TX on October 16, 1930. He passed away at his home in San Antonio, TX on September 17, 2011. The fourth child of five children, Jose was an avid reader and a quick learner; he graduated from high school at fifteen years of age, and, in 1950, he earned his Bachelor of Arts degree at the University of Texas at Austin. He earned his Master’s degree in Education at Our Lady of the Lake University in 1955, and he received his Doctorate in Education from UT in 1966. In 1997, UT recognized him as a distinguished alumnus, an award he proudly cherished. He was a corporal in the United States Army and bravely fought in the Korean War. Jose taught at all levels of education, from elementary school to college. As an administrator, he worked as a principal, vice principal, and was the first Hispanic superintendent of Edgewood I.S.D., as well as Bexar County. His passion and belief in educational equity for all children led him to found the Intercultural Development Research Association (IDRA), an association dedicated to the improvement of educational opportunities for all. He was the executive director there until 1992. He served as Director Emeritus until his death. Jose was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, godfather, brother, uncle, and cousin. He was preceded in death by his parents, Justo and Matilde Cardenas, and his daughter, Mary Catherine Cardenas. He is survived and will be greatly missed by his wife of 39 years, Laura Doreen Tobin Cardenas; his children, Dr. Jose A. Cardenas, Jr. and wife Roxanne, Dr. Michael Cardenas and wife Shauna, Christine Cardenas Boehme, and Laura Cardenas Schwarz and husband Darren; his grandchildren, Jacqueline Cardenas, Jessica Cardenas, Audrianne Boehme, Camille Cardenas, Kira Schwarz, Dylan Schwarz, Marcella Cardenas, and Mitchell Schwarz; his brothers, Justo Cardenas and Alfredo Cardenas; his sisters, Matilde Gonzalez and Mary Turk; numerous and precious nieces, nephews, and cousins; his loyal dog, Pepper. A celebration of Jose’s life will be held on Thursday, September 22nd at 10 a.m. at St. Luke’s Catholic Church, 4603 Manitou Drive, with a recitation of the Rosary immediately following for those wishing to pray with the family. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Jose Angel Cardenas Valued Youth Stipend Fund, c/o IDRA, 5815 Callaghan Rd., Suite 101, San Antonio, TX 78228