Jose Francisco Luna

Jose Francisco Luna Sr., SFC, U.S. Army (Retired), age 79, of Uvalde, Texas passed away peacefully at his residence on the morning of June 23, 2026. He is survived by his beloved wife, Benita R. Luna (June 26 would have been their 55th anniversary). Daughter Monica Marie Guerrero with ex-husband, Oscar F. Guerrero of Uvalde; three sons, J. Frank Luna Jr. of Uvalde, TX: Jimmie Luna and wife, Corina V. Luna of San Antonio, TX; Jude A. Luna and wife, Belinda Barron of Uvalde, TX.

Thirteen grandchildren: Frankie Luna III, Victor L. Luna, Hector E. Luna, Emma N. Luna, Jimmie A. Luna, Isabella Luna, Johnny H. Gonzales, Julius A. Luna, Alexa M. Luna, Candice Luna, Lorelai A. Guerrero, Oscar F. Guerrero III, Owen M. Guerrero; and one great grandchild: Luka Luna. 

Born on October 26, 1946 in Raymondville, TX to parents Ventura Luna and Adelaida R. Luna. He grew up in Batesville, Texas with a strong Catholic faith, and the hard work ethic with his father working in agriculture and farming. He is preceded in death by his parents and brother Ventura (Ben) Luna Jr. He is survived by his siblings: Enedina L. Chapa of Uvalde, TX and Jose Ramon Luna of San Antonio, TX.

He graduated from Uvalde High School in 1967. He was drafted into the United States Army on January 3, 1968 in the Vietnam War and earned Specialist/E4 rank by January 15, 1969. His first overseas tour was in Germany as a 11C20/Mortar Man. He would complete four more tours in Germany, one in White Sands Missile Range, NM, one in in Fort McClellan, Alabama. He completed a total of 24 years of service. He earned many Letters of Commendation and Appreciation for outstanding service in leadership duty positions including Acting First Sergeant. In each assignment, he ensured standard operation procedures and protocols were adhered to. Furthermore, he was recognized and respected by his peers and the chain of command for his commitment to the safety of his soldiers. Equally devoted to the family readiness mission, the families of the soldiers sought his advice on resources available to them during deployment. Other medals earned: Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Good Conduct Medal (8th Awd), National Defense Service Medal (1Bronze), NCO Professional Development Ribbon (3d), Overseas Service Ribbon (4). Because he was an experienced deer hunter, it was no surprise he earned the Expert Badge in weapons qualification (Auto Rifle Bar with Grenade Bar).

Jose Francisco Luna Sr. was instrumental in shaping the lives of many family members by sharing his life stories and experiential knowledge. His favorite hobbies were gardening, barbecuing for his family, hunting and fishing. As a leader, he was an exemplary father figure to many of his soldiers and his community. He enjoyed great conversations around the dinner table with his pan dulce and coffee. Storytelling was his talent and always with his chuckle and laughter. He was truly a remarkable man—strong, devoted, and full of love for his family. His service as a veteran, his dedication as a husband, and the joy he brought as a father and grandad will always be remembered. He leaves behind a legacy of strength, kindness, and unwavering commitment that will live on in all of us. We are grateful for the memories, the lessons, and the love he shared so generously with all of us. 

Pallbearers will be Frankie Luna III, Victor L. Luna, Hector E. Luna, Jimmie A. Luna, Johnny H. Gonzales, Julius A. Luna, Oscar F. Guerrero III.

Honorary pallbearer will be Owen M. Guerrero.

There will be a small memorial gathering to celebrate his life at the Pavillion (La Mota Park) Batesville Recreational Park.

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” –2 Timothy 4: