Enrique (Henry) Rendon, 98, a woodcarver had a life well lived carved in wood. He was born in Laredo, Texas in 1917. He spent his youth in Nuevo Laredo. This is where his passion and love for woodcarving became apparent when at the age of 12 in middle school he took a class called "Trabajos Manuales" (Hand Work). One of his first works was a small box carved edge to edge with a bird in the middle. A year later at age 13 his father passed away and as an only child, Enrique's affinity for woodcarving became the family's source of income. He worked for various curio stores and furniture shops on both sides of the border. His natural ability to create figures and reproduce antique patterns earned him an early reputation for excellence. Enrique moved to San Antonio in 1936 and continued his carving for a number of shops in the city. In 1941 he met and married the love of his life Maria who he cherished as his "Tesoro" (treasure). After their marriage he began work at Kelly Air Force Base in the Woodworking shop, taking a break to serve in the Navy and returning to Kelly after the war. At Kelly, in addition to his normal work duties, he was frequently called upon to carve plaques for military commemorations, from the Navy Mother's Club to the Air Force Academy. Engineers at Kelly prized his creativity and precision as he worked both wood and plastic into perfect scale models and modeling forms during his 32-year career at the base. Enrique's carvings have adorned San Antonio for decades. He carved a Tintinnabulum for the Little Flower Basilica in honor of Pope John Paul II's visit to San Antonio, signage for various Restaurants, carved family coat of arms and countless military officers have carved plaques in their office and homes throughout the world are just a few examples of his works of art which are cherished by many. Enrique has graciously passed on his wood-carving skills and techniques to many students over the years at the local woodcarving club. Reminding them to, "Choose a good wood and keep your tools very sharp". Enrique's sense of humor, optimism and positive view of life set a fitting example for his children and endeared him to all who knew him. Preceded in death by his parents Benicia and Pablo Rendon and wife Maria Rendon with whom he enjoyed 64 wonderful years together in marriage. Survived by daughter Inelda and her husband Frank Rupani, daughter Sylvia and her husband Robert Slater, son Henry and Becky Rendon, son Gerard Rendon and son Al Rendon and his wife Elizabeth. Four grandchildren, Valerie and her husband Matthew Ochs, Ryan Slater and his wife Sormeh, Matthew Rendon and Sarah Rendon. Three great grandchildren, Allyson Ochs, Zachary Ochs and Lillian Slater. The family would like to give special thanks to the caregivers who allowed him to spend his last years comfortably at home: Judy, Paz, Norma, Maria Elena, and Lydia. FUNERAL SERVICES Visitation will begin on Thursday, November 19, at 6:00 P.M. with a Rosary to be recited at 7:00 P.M. at the Angelus Chapel. Funeral Mass will be offered on Friday, November 20, at 10:00 A.M. at St. Ann's Catholic Church. Interment will follow in Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery with military honors.