Vicente Raymundo Ramirez, Jr. passed away on Friday, July 7, 2023, on his 92rd birthday.  After several months of declining health, Vicente died peacefully with his beloved wife, Elodina, at his side.

Vicente was born in 1931 to his father Vicente R. Ramirez, Sr. and his mother Ramona Ramirez.  He was the youngest of four children. At the age of 17, he volunteered for service with the Marine Corps with parental permission. He soon was sent to the Korean War. He was declared MIA during the Battle of the Chosin Reservoir…one of the bloodiest battles of this war.  It was a week before he was able to rejoin the US forces hungry and suffering from frostbite on his lower legs and a gunshot wound to the head.  He was awarded the Purple Heart and honorably discharged from the Marines in 1952.

Vicente then went to the trade that was in his blood…automotive mechanics.  During his life, he worked for the local Pontiac, Cadillac and Ford dealerships.  After his wife, Emma, of 49 years passed away, he met Elodina and they were married in 2001.

Vicente was past Post Commander of the local American Legion Post 364 and took great pride in leading the distinguished group of fellow veterans through their various activities.

He and Elodina began volunteering their time at the local Veterans' Administration office in 2015 helping to greet and guide local veterans coming in to seek advice, services, and help.

Vicente was preceded in death by his parents and his sisters, Maria Jesus Camacho and Enedina Salinas. He is survived by his wife Elodina, his sister Socorro Atkins, his sons Juan (Sylvia), Raymundo, six grandchildren and nine great grandchildren, numerous nephews and nieces

All Funeral Services will be held on Monday, July 17, 2023 , public visitation will begin at 8:30 a.m. with the Holy Rosary to be recited at 10:30 a.m. at Guardian Funeral Home, Chapel A; funeral procession will depart at 11:00 a.m. for the Funeral Mass to be celebrated at 11:30 a.m. at Ss. Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church, 3210 S Padre Island Dr., with the Burial to follow a 1:00 p.m. in the Coastal Bend State Veterans Cemetery.