Juan A. Marquez Sr.

Attention! All hands on deck! Boatswain’s Mate Third Class, Juan Antonio Marquez, Sr., has earned his new orders at the AIH level: Angel in Heaven. Juan came aboard in this life on August 10, 1926 and completed his command on August 12, 2016. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Anna M. Marquez, his children Mitzi Marquez, Frances (Rigoberto) Cruz, Juan A. (Esmeralda) Marquez, Jr., Theresa Marquez, and Sandra (Owen) Butler, seven grandchildren, brother Enrique Marquez, and sister Maria Elsa Amparan. He faithfully served his country in World War II aboard the USS Raby and USS Giansar. He took part in the liberation of Guam, witnessed atomic testing, and was one of the first Hispanic divers. Besides marrying his beloved “Guera,” joining the Navy was the best thing he ever did. He traded in his sea legs and became a carrier, delivering mail for 40 years. He was blessed to have seen the age of 90 and said “Our Lord has been very good to me.” Juan was a devout Catholic and attempted to walk in the footsteps of St. Francis. THE GREATEST GENERATION. Fair winds and following seas. Visitation will be Tuesday August 16, 2016 from 5-9pm, with Rosary at 7pm. Funeral mass will be at Our Lady of Assumption on August 17, 2016 at 1:30pm. Burial to follow at Ft. Bliss National Cemetery.