Ricardo Tijerina

Ricardo Manuel Tijerina, 47, entered into eternal rest on August 29, 2011 in San Antonio, Texas.-Born in Laredo, Texas on May 8, 1964 to Mario B. and Manuela V. Tijerina, Ricardo was a veteran proudly serving as a LCpl in the United States Marine Corps.-

His training in San Diego, California included the M224 60MM Mortar Crewman. He served as a Corporal of the Guard in Adak, Alaska where he received Meritorious Mast for serving in an exemplary manner.-He was also assigned to carry the Unit Colors for the Activation Ceremony of Company E, Fourth Reconnaissance Battalion where he was also commended for outstanding performance of duty.-He also received a Letter of Appreciation for representing his unit with pride and for his participation in the ceremonies in the visit of the half-scale replica of the Vietnam Veteran's Memorial in Kenai. He was an active member of the American Legion.-He received many other commendations and awards during his tour of duty.-Ricardo was a Customs and Border Protection Officer and a Firearms Instructor at the San Antonio Airport.

Ricardo was a fun-loving, easy going person and made friends wherever he went.-He loved to cook for his family, friends, neighbors, and co-workers.- He loved to travel and was an avid photographer.-His travels took him to many interesting places.-He was a prankster and liked to joke around with everyone around him. Ricardo was a man of integrity and honor, a faithful friend and brother.

Ricardo is survived by his 9 siblings, brothers Mario S. (Araceli) Tijerina, Raul D. (Martha-dec) Tijerina, sisters Oralia N. (Antonio) Villarreal, Graciela M. (Ricardo) Urdiales, Sonia I. (Javier) Moreno, Griselda (Joe Luis) Flores, Delia (Daniel) Alkire, Amelda Tijerina, and his twin sister Melissa M. (Albert) Arias, 21 nieces and nephews Marco Vela, Tanni Diaz, Christie Villarreal, Marco G. Tijerina, Michael A. Tijerina, Tracy J. Tijerina, Ricardo M. Urdiales, Melba U. Ortiz, Gerardo D. Urdiales, Lisa M. Morietta, Javier G. Moreno, Sonia M. Estrada, Jose L. Flores, Jr., Ediberto L. Flores, Azalea I. Flores, Michelle L. Tijerina, Raul M. Tijerina, Esmeralda Tijerina, Ricardo Lopez, Jr., David M. Lopez, Poncho Martinez and their extended family.-He also leaves behind his girlfriend of many years, Sylvia C. Peck.