Daniel Vega Jr.

When someone is identified as a natural leader, certain images come to mind. First thoughts are of a no-nonsense, tough-minded, dedicated and disciplined person. This description accurately fits Daniel Vega Jr. who was indeed a born leader. He will be remembered as being highly organized, practical and realistic. He was a person who always carried a strong sense of duty with him throughout his life. Possessed with traditional “old school” morals, Daniel was an individual who clearly communicated to those around him just who he was and what he was all about.

Daniel was born on January 1, 1927 to Daniel and Juana (Sanchez) Vega. Daniel was raised in San Antonio with five siblings. He had one older brother Raymond, three older sisters Mary, Cora, Pauline and one younger sister, Leanor. Daniel's matter-of-fact attitude about most things was developed during his childhood. As a youngster, he learned to be objective and decisive. His commitment in the principles of authority and dependability was something that he carried with him throughout his life.

Daniel was sociable and approachable. He was always so straightforward in how he approached relationships, friends and family. What they saw was always what they got. He enjoyed the camaraderie of being with a group of friends. Those close to Daniel came to expect his high standards of performance.

A major milestone for Dan Vega occurred on May 10, 1951 when he exchanged vows with Ruth Valderas at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church of El Reno, Oklahoma. Over the span of sixty years of marriage, Daniel was ever watchful of his children. He worried about them and was deeply concerned for their development as they grew. He maintained a firm hand in their upbringing. Daniel would give his stamp of approval to their requests, as long as he could see how they might benefit. He also had the ability to enforce the rules as needed to ensure that his children were properly raised. Daniel was blessed with five children; three sons, Mike, Robert, Danny and two daughters Veronica and Dianna. They were also blessed with nine grandchildren, Kristen, Erica, Aaron, Stephen, Benjamin, Elizabeth, Nicole, Lauren and Dominic, as well as six great grandchildren, Mackenzie, Emma, Kalen, Winston, Ada, and June.

Daniel proudly served his country for 32 years as a Navy and Air Force veteran. His sense of duty helped lead him into the military where his understanding of rank, his willingness to abide by rules and regulations and his desire to follow orders was admired by his fellow service men and women. He was stationed on the U.S.S. Laurens while in the Navy and had various duty stations worldwide. Daniel saw action for two wars, Korean and Vietnam. Through his hard work and dedication, he ultimately achieved the Air Force rank of Chief Master Sergeant. He received several awards recognizing his for his heroism, including a Merit Service Award. After retiring from the military, Daniel had a long career with both the Immigration & Naturalization Service and U. S. Postal Service. Daniel was a team player who certainly lived out the motto of “give me a job, and I will get it done.”

Daniel approached his leisure time in the same manner that he approached his life. A person who enjoyed being neat and orderly and one who understood the nature of things, he appreciated the hours he was able to devote to his various hobbies. His favorite pursuits were writing, gardening and following social issues. Daniel was content to enjoy his favorite pastimes alone but was also willing to share his interests with others.

Playing by the rules was a natural thing for Daniel to do in life and that carried over to his enjoyment of sports. In high school, Daniel played baseball. Recreational sports included boxing, racquetball, bowling and weight lifting. He also was something of a sports fan and enjoyed watching his favorite events whenever he got the opportunity. Tops on his list were boxing, San Antonio Spurs basketball, baseball and football.

Being generous with his time and energy, Daniel liked to belong to a variety of groups and organizations. He was a vocal leader who enjoyed being a part of things. His desire to uphold traditions and his ability to take charge of any type of project made him a tremendous asset. Throughout his later years, Daniel was an active member of the Boys & Girls Club and Kiwanis International. Faith was important to Daniel; he held deep spiritual beliefs that he was willing to share. He was a member Our Lady Perpetual Help for fifteen years.

When Daniel’s ultimate retirement finally arrived, he was well prepared. In retirement, he found new pleasure in writing articles for the community social column in the local paper. It also provided him with the opportunity to catch up with his friends, attend functions and group outings, tackle new interesting activities, and actively participate in the lives of his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.

Daniel passed away on September 13, 2014 at San Antonio Military Medical Center at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, Texas. Daniel fought a brave battle against diabetes, vascular and heart disease. He is survived by his wife, Ruth and children Mike and wife Eva, Robert and wife Laura, Veronica and husband Ken, Dianna and husband Mark, grandchildren Kristen, Erica, Aaron, Benjamin, Stephen, Elizabeth, Nicole, Lauren and great grandchildren Mackenzie, Ada, Kalen, Emma, Winston and June. A visitation will be held on Monday, September 22, 2014 from 6:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M. with a rosary recited at 7:00 P.M. Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, September 23, 2014 at 10:00 A.M. at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church. Daniel will be laid to rest in Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery with military honors. In lieu of flowers please make any donations to the Wounded Warrior Project at www.woundedwarriorproject.org

All who knew him would agree that Daniel was a pillar of the community. He lived his life with his feet firmly on the ground. He had a strong work ethic, was pragmatic in his thoughts and acts, and constantly sought the means for self-improvement. He was willing to share his ideas and knowledge for the benefit of others, so that they could accomplish more in their lives. Daniel Vega Jr. did his best to ensure that his family, friends, loved ones, co-workers, and everyone whose life he touched was given the chance to become a better person.