Celestino S. Ramirez

Celestino S. Ramirez (Sal), 64, of Thorndale, Texas, passed away surrounded by family at his home on October 15, 2012. Sal was born to Louis Ramirez, Sr. and Natividad Salazar Ramirez on May 19, 1948 in Thorndale, Texas. Sal worked for ALCOA for 30 years and retired in 2009. He also served in the Texas Army National Guard retiring with 30 years of service. He was a Vietnam Veteran and served a tour of duty in US Army, Alpha Company, 6th of the 31st Infantry in 69’ and 70’, having received the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star. Sal loved the outdoors, especially fishing. He loved to sit around telling stories and joking.

He was preceded in death by his mother. He is survived by his wife of 43 years Marie; two sons Adam Ramirez (Georgie) and Aaron Ramirez (Jennifer); one daughter Amanda Bice (Troy); six grandchildren Jessica Ramirez, Christine Ramirez, Nicholas Ramirez, Alayna Ramirez, Justin Bice and Hailee Bice. He is also survived by his father Louis Ramirez, Sr.; five brothers Pete Ramirez, Casper Ramirez, Louis Ramirez, Jr., John Ramirez and Thomas Ramirez and four sisters Andrea Bodiford, Mary Soto, Gregoria Medina and Lionor Riojas.

Pallbearers will be nephews Roman Ramirez, Victor Medina, Matt Bodiford, Jason Ramirez, Arthur Martinez Jr. and Mike Beyer. Honorary Pallbearers are long-time friend Donald Laurence, and all the men that served with him in Alpha Company, 6th of the 31st Infantry.

Visitation will be held Friday October 19, 2012 from 6:00-8:00 PM, at Providence Funeral Home in Taylor. Rosary will be recited at 7:00 PM.

Celebration of Life Mass will be at 10:00 AM, Saturday, October 20, 2012 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in Taylor with burial to follow at the Thorndale City Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the American Cancer Society or the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund.