On April 20, 2020 our dad Juan Davila Espinoza, at the age of 94, went to be with the lord. Born in San Antonio, Texas on June 24, 1925 to Natalia DuBois and Celestino Espinoza, one of 7 children. Married the love of his life, Eloisa Camarillo, our mom. This Marriage created their family of sons; Juan Jr, and Jesus and three daughters; Maria Elena, Nancy, and Norma.
In 1943 against his fathers wishes, who desired for him to follow the family tradition to become a barber, he joined the US Army. Serving in the European Theater. On October 24, 1944 he was reported missing. He became a Prisoner of War during WWII. Being held in Germany, detained in Stalag 7A Moosburg Bavaria. He was the proud recipient of the Bronze Star Medal, European African Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, American Theater Campaign Medal, and Combat Infantryman Badge. Two campaigns. This was a part of his life that he did not share, maybe too hard to relive or he did not want us to feel his hardships. Though he would reminisce when he heard his favorite song, Soldado Raso.
Our dad was a true provider. He worked for San Antonio Water Systems as a foreman, working all hours of the day, everyday of the week. Then went to work for Civil Service at Brooks Army Medical Center at Fort Sam Houston for 40 years up until his retirement. He was up every morning at 4 a.m., coming home to change and going on to a second and sometimes third job, all in the same day. Providing his children and grandchildren a true example of what it takes to reach higher goals and have a better life.
He mastered many trades; carpentry, electricity, plumbing, auto repairs and even making tamales. He was a great inventor, if he could not find what he needed or wanted, he would find a way or invent a way. These trades he shared with his sons, and later with all his grandsons. His grandsons were his pride, he wanted them to be able to do and accomplish not what he did, but more.
Our dad was a man of strong character, beliefs and actions. He treated everyone with respect, provided a helping hand to those who needed it, and saw the good in everyone. He was a man of his word, a quality we highly admired, because there was no doubt that he would keep his word.
As his children, we were the recipients of love and guidance from a man who desired nothing but the best for his family. Instilling in us the need for hard work, dedication to our calling, and actions to our dreams. He showed us not to fear, to be strong and have faith. With his favorite saying "No hay mal que por bien no venga" (every cloud has a silver lining), he provided us comfort.
The example of his love was reflected and showed on his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He loved to share his knowledge with them, to show them how to do things, and of course to tell them exactly how to do them. He enjoyed having the little ones in his house.
He enjoyed life and had a love for many things; businesses, real estate, buying stuff, poker, lottery tickets, E&J Brandy, John Wayne movies, Luis Aguilar's music, and his VFW and Presa Community Center friends. A life well lived.
He is preceded in death by his wife Eloisa Camarillo Espinoza, his two sons; Juan C Espinoza Jr. and Jesus Espinoza, and his sisters; Helen Bonillas, Josefina Santa Cruz and Carmen Salazar.
You will be forever loved and missed by your daughters Maria Elena, Nancy, and Norma; your sisters Ignacia "Nash" Esparza and Lupe Campbell; your brother Jose Davila Espinoza; 16 grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.