Jose S. Ramirez of Hondo, 93, passed peacefully from this life Wednesday morning, April 18, 2018. He was surrounded and spported by his loving family and caregivers during the last days of his life. Born Aug. 27, 1924, in Hondo, where he grew up, he was the son of Cruz and Aurelia Suniga Ramirez. Joe, as he was known to many, served in the U.S.Army Air Corps 1942-45 as an infantryman. He participated in the landing at Omaha Beach in Northern France in the WWII Normandy D-Day Invasion. In spite of the war, he enjoyed the travel experience. After finishing his tour of duty, he joined the 36th Infantry Division as part of the Texas National Guard and retired in August 1984 as a staff sergeant. He said serving in the war made him appreciate more his family, friends and community. Retiring after many years as a mechanic at Jack Winkler Motors, he devoted his time to serving the community and participating with fellow veterans in various observances, parades and celebrations through the years. Joe is preceded in death by his parents; his wife of 70 years, Margarita Ramos Ramirez; brother, Rogelio Ramirez; sisters, Cipriana Hernandez and Sofia Ramirez; and brother-in-law, Jose Ontiveros. He is survived by his sons, Robert (Delia) Ramirez of San Antonio and Ruben (Sandra) Ramirez of Hondo; daughters, Nelda (Hank) Cortez of San Antonio and Diana (Robert) Rodriguez of Hondo; six grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren; sister, Esther Ontiveros; brother, Luis (Elida) Ramirez of Lytle; and sister-in-law, Olivia Ramirez of Hondo. Visitation will be Monday, Apr. 23, 5 to 8 p.m. with a prayer service at 7 p.m. at Guinn-Horger Chapel. Funeral service will be at 10 a.m., Tuesday, Apr. 24, at First Baptist Church, Hondo. Interment with military honors will follow at Hondo Cemetery, Oakwood Section. Pallbearers are Michael Paul, Daniel R. and Mike R. Rodriguez, Ruben Joe and Zakry R. Ramirez, Rhonda Ramirez Rehr and Journey Rodriguez. Honorary bearer is Jennifer Contero.