Juan Meza, Sr.

Juan Meza, Sr., 87 joined our Lord in His heavenly kingdom on Sunday, March 17, 2013. He was born December 15, 1925 in Laredo Texas and graduated from Martin High School. He attended Laredo Junior College before joining the U.S. Army in 1944 to defend his country in WWII.

During his service he served with Company B, 399th Infantry in Frances, Germany. He played hide and seek with 300 German soldiers for 16 hours, patiently waiting until the sentry moved around a corner of the building then dashed to the woods 300 yards away. He was very proud of his escape from College DeBitch in France in January 1945 while he and his comrades were sent to an outpost mission at DeBitch. On Dec. 24, 1944 at approximately 1400 hours they were shelled out of the room by German artillery. He was wounded on his back and left shoulder. After being in the hospital for 5 days he returned to his post. On Dec. 31, 1944 they decided to make their escape. He suggested that they walk into the woods pretending to be Germans. Since his 6 comrades thought it was a crazy idea Dad decided to go first. Walking 7 to 8 hundred yards from the building after approaching the woods. Once in the woods he felt something coming towards his head finding out it was his sergeant. He got up to investigate his area and noticed not one of his companions had weapons. The group had planned to surrender and everyone had dropped their weapons except dad. Having walked 3 hours in the snow they finally ran across a roadblock of American Soldiers. He holds a WWII Victory Ribbon, a Good Conduct Medal, FAME Theater Ribbon, 2 Bronze Service Stars, a Purple Heart GO 23 Hq 20 Convn Hosp 45, 1 Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster, a Distinguished Unit Badge, GO 100th Inf. Div 45 Bronze. He was wounded twice in action Dec. 24, 1944 and April 12, 1945. He served U.S. Customs and Border Protection as an Inspector for 35 and a half years.

Dad's favorite pass time was playing dominos, going to the Tecos games, and watching baseball besides spending time with his family. He was a loving son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend. He will be greatly missed and forever loved.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Isabel Viggers Cigarroa; father, Jesus Meza, Sr.; loving wife of 62 years whom passed away January 22, 2013, Antonia G. Meza; brothers, Jesus, Meza, Jr., Alfredo Meza, Benito Meza and Guadalupe Meza Hasting.

He is survived by his sons and daughters, Juan Meza, Jr. (Raquel), Mara Lydia Duran, Jaime Meza, Sr. (Blanca), Antonieta (Gregorio) Ortiz and Ana (Calixto) Flores, Jr.; 18 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren; brothers and sisters, Isabel Meza Morado, Jose Meza, Mara Meza Gutierrez, Luz Mara de Arcos, Estella Meza Vega, Ellena Meza Meister and Rosita Meza Garca. He is also survived by numerous other family members and friends.

Pallbearers are:-Jaime A. Meza, Jr., Javier A. Meza, Jorge A. Meza, Juan Meza III., Jesus A. Meza, and Chris M. Flores.

Honorary Pallbearers are:-Juan Meza, Jr., and Jaime Meza, Sr.