Ernesto Perez

Ernesto Perez passed away in San Antonio, Texas on Sunday September 19, 2021, due to complications with Covid. He is survived by his 3 daughters, Alexis, Anna and Aly, as well as his parents Humberto and Yolanda Perez, his older sister Verlyn Maldonado, and his younger brother Fidel Perez. Ernesto also had two beloved German Short Haired Pointers named Zoey and Penny. Ernesto also leaves behind all his brothers and sisters from Britton’s Tri Force, the San Antonio Triathlon Club he was a member of. He gained so much love and strength from his Tri Force family. He loved working at Britton’s bike shop, where his customer’s and fellow staff were considered to be like family to him.

Ernesto was an inquisitive boy who early on demonstrated a zest for adventure as he accompanied his dad on many fishing trips and outdoor experiences including rock climbing, hiking, and camping. He got into BMX biking in elementary and was an instant daredevil pulling off stunts that would make his Mom and sister very nervous. He was a good student at Judson High School, and unfortunately, a very serious roll-over car accident his Senior year resulted in him falling behind academically. Therefore, he did not graduate with his class, and instead completed his GED. Upon recovering from the accident, he entered the Army in 1992, and served for nearly five years until 1997. While in Army service, Ernesto earned the following medals: Army Commendation Medal/ Army Achievement Medal (3 times), National Defense Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Army Good Conduct Medal, Marksman/Marksmanship Qualification Badge with Rifle Bar, Driver and Mechanic Badge with Driver-A Bar.

In addition to being a Veteran, Ernesto wore various hats throughout his life to include bartender, waiter, chef, motorcross competitor, Ironman Triathlete, beloved son, and brother as well as Dad. Ernesto was very happy to be able to spend quality time with his younger girls Anna and Aly, as he deeply regretted not spending enough time with his eldest daughter Alexis. He was honored to serve in the best role of his lifetime, that of stay-at-home dad. He took excellent care of his girls and developed his skills as a talented cook. He loved to make homemade food with his many gadgets, and enjoyed baking cookies, as he had a sweet tooth that he gained from both of his parents. One of his favorite treats was a cup of espresso with friends and good conversation. While Ernesto was a quiet person, he was a funny guy and once engaged in a good conversation, he could talk for hours.

In recent years, Ernesto had enrolled in college, as he desired to pursue a degree in Education and become a Middle School Teacher. Unfortunately, the pandemic put a halt to his plans. His love for the outdoors and competition fueled him though, as he began training again. Ernesto completed 1 full and 3 half’s including Ironman Texas 2014, Ironman 70.3 New Orleans 2014, Ironman Lubbock 70.3 2013, Ironman Steelhead 70.3 2013. Ernesto was in training and signed up for both Ironman 70.3 Waco (Oct 2021), Ironman Arizona (Nov 2021).

Ernesto was a member of Concordia Lutheran Church and volunteered in various capacities, serving with church leadership, staff, and in the IT Department. He dedicated many hours serving at Concordia and building friendships with various staff members including his mentor and spiritual counselor, Pastor Zach McIntosh. Ernesto became a Christian as a teenager at summer youth camp, and was active at Kirby Baptist Church in his youth. He re-dedicated his life to the Lord, and was strengthening his personal relationship with the Lord through the support of his church family at Concordia. Ernesto drew strength from his relationship with the Lord. He dedicated himself to becoming a better person all around. He recognized his shortcomings and mistakes he had made in his life’s journey, but he was making every effort to resolve the past and make his relationships and future better. Ernesto will be deeply missed by his family and friends.

The family would like to meet as many friends of Ernesto’s as possible.

Services for Ernesto Perez will be held on Friday October 8, 2021 at Concordia Lutheran Church in the Sanctuary, located at 16801 Huebner Road, San Antonio, TX 78258.

The viewing will be held at 12 noon and the service will begin at 1PM. Both the viewing and the service can be viewed LIVE through this link if you are unable to attend the services. First, click the link, then click the WATCH ONLINE button to access both services as they are occurring. https://www.concordia.cc

A military burial will be held at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery at 1520 Harry Wurzbach Rd. SAT 78234, on Thursday October 21, 2021 in Shelter #5 at 9:45 AM sharp.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the following fund to help with funeral and final expenses. https://gofund.me/b2b47ee0

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.SunsetNorthFuneralHome.com for the Perez family.