Ariel Valerio Medrano, Jr.

Ariel Valerio Medrano, Jr., 57, of Lampasas, died October 18, 2011. Ariel was born October 16, 1954, in San Antonio, Texas to Marion and Larry Medrano. He attended Oliver Wendell Holmes High School in San Antonio and continued his education at San Antonio College and University of Texas in Austin. He served for 3 years in the U.S. Army and was awarded medals for National Defense Service, Army Commendation with “V” Device and Rifle Marksmanship. He went on to serve for 12 years in the U.S. Coast Guard and received medals for Special Operations Service, Meritorious Unit Commendation and Rifle Marksmanship. He is credited with saving 4 lives during his service in both military branches. He enjoyed making Lampasas Radiogram announcements on weekends for the local radio station, and camping and fishing with his family. He was an avid poker player and enjoyed technological challenges such as fixing computers, radar devices and other electronics. He is survived by his wife, Penny Medrano, their 3 children, Mario, Marion, and Riel, his grandchildren, Antonia, Isabela, Adrian, and Kyley, his father, Ariel Valerio Medrano, his brothers and sisters, Miguel, Ricardo, Rodrigo, Reynaldo, Andrea and Marizella, and his beloved dogs and faithful companions, Red and Blue. He was preceded in death by his mother, Marion Medrano.

A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, October 22, 2011, at St. Luke Catholic Church at 4603 Manitou Dr., San Antonio, Texas 78228.