Margarito Gamboa, age 86, of Hondo passed away Tuesday, Nov. 17, 2009, in San Antonio. Born June 20, 1923, in Dilley, Margarito was the son of Ignacio and Ruberta (Yreugas) Gamboa. "Mago" Gamboa served his country during WWII. He was inducted into the Navy on March 3, 1943, and upon completion of Boot Camp, was assigned to the USS Mahan. On Dec. 7, 1944, while patrolling between Leyte and Ponson Island, the destroyer was attacked by a multitude of Japanese kamikaze aircraft. The Mahan shot down three of the attacking planes but three of the kamikaze planes crashed into her. When fires spread out of control to the damaged ship's magazines, the USS Mahan was abandoned. Its survivors were later picked up by passing vessels. Gamboa separated from the Navy on Dec. 7, 1945. He later served in the Texas National Guard for approximately 12 years. He was a life member of both the American Legion and the VFW. He is preceded in death by his parents; twin daughter, Velia Zapata; and sisters, Cordelia Butner and Manvella Chapa. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Rosa (Trevino) Gamboa; daughter, Viola Santos and husband Paul of Oklahoma City; son, Juan Gamboa and wife Mary-Martha of San Antonio; six grandchildren; brother, Ignacio "Chero" Gamboa and wife Alicia of Devine and Joe Gamboa and wife Brenda of Ocklawaha, FL; and sisters, Ofelia Vera, Amada Sepulveda and Delia Gonzales, all of Natalia. Visitation was Sunday, Nov. 22, from 6 to 8 p.m. with Rosary at 7 p.m. at the Guinn-Horger Chapel. Funeral service was held at 10:30 a.m., Monday, at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church. Interment was at Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery at 2 p.m. Monday. Pallbearers were Roberto Puentes, Rogelio Ramirez, Alejandor M. Samarripa, Juan Ybarra, Tony Sepulveda, and Paul Santos.