Charles "Pancho" Villa

Col. Charles “Pancho" Villa, USAF (Ret.), passed away peacefully at his home on November 7, 2017, at the age of 88. He was predeceased by his parents, Maria and Nick Villa; his brother, Henry Villa (Leona, also deceased); his sister, Gloria Villa Cadena; and his favorite brother‐in‐law, Carlos Cadena. Born and raised in San Antonio, he graduated from Jefferson HS. After a brief stint in the U.S. Army, he was accepted for USAF Cadet Pilot Training and was awarded his wings and commission in September 1951. Pancho flew many of the early jet aircraft, including the F‐84 fighter bomber during the Korean War. As a Command Pilot, he served in various air defense and tactical fighter squadrons and in 1965, he served a tour of duty as Air Liaison / Forward Air Controller during the Vietnam War. During his flying career, he flew a total of 236 combat missions and was awarded the Silver Star, the Bronze Star, and 2 Distinguished Flying Crosses, among many other awards for meritorious service. Pancho served his country for more than 30 years, and his diverse career also included tours of duty as USAF Section Chief ‐ US MILGP [Montevideo, Uruguay], Commandant of the Inter‐American Air Force Academy (IAFFA) [Panama C.Z.], and Defense & Air Attaché with the U.S. Embassy [Mexico D.F.]. During his years in Latin America, he grew to love the ballads, cantandos and corridos revolucionarios of the region (a/k/a “Dad’s Blasters”) and he always appreciated how his varied career gave him the opportunity to see the world and to make many lifelong friends along the way. He received his B.A. from Syracuse University in 1960, was a graduate of the Inter‐American Defense College in Washington D.C., a Life Member of the Order of Daedalians [National Fraternal Order of Military Aviators], and a longtime member of The Petroleum Club of San Antonio.

Pancho is survived by Joan M. Villa, his wife of over 57 years; his daughter MaryAnn Villa; his daughter Marguerite Waldroup and son‐in‐law, David Waldroup; his son Charles N. Villa and daughter‐in‐law Valerie Anderson Villa; his brother, Richard Villa (Rose), his half siblings, Fernando Villa (Lupe) and Carmen Madla, and he thoroughly enjoyed his role as Uncle to his numerous beloved nieces & nephews and their children. He felt very blessed to have had such along and complete life.

A Graveside Service will be held on November 16, 2017 at 11:15 a.m. at Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery with full USAF Military Honors, and will be presided over by his nephew, Father Richard Villa. A reception will be held after the service, in celebration of Pancho's life. Condolence maybe offered at www.sunsetfuneralhomesa.com.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Disabled American Veterans, The Salvation Army, or the charity of your choice.