George Martinez Lira, 70 died May 3, 2016 at his home in San Antonio, Texas surrounded by his loving family.

He was born on February 23, 1946 to Pantaleon and Martha Lira in San Antonio, Texas.

He graduated from Edgewood High School in 1966 having already enlisted in the Army. He served in the Army from 1964 to 1994. He did a tour in Vietnam 1968-1969 having received the Award of the Army Commendation Medal. He served in the Reserves from which he retired as a Major. He served his country Honorably for 30 years.

He received his Bachelor's from St. Mary's University in 1973 and his Master's from Trinity University in 1978. He worked in the Edgewood ISD from 1978 to 2001 in the capacity of Math/English teacher and Vice-Principal in several schools. He was a Tennis Coach at Escobar JHS. He was inducted in the Edgewood Hall of Fame in 2012. He was loyal to his roots having been born in the Edgewood ISD and having attended all his school years in the district. His career was serving the students of Edgewood ISD.

He loved to visit casinos. He and his wife, Emilia, belonged to a Bowling Club, Los Tejanos, and many bowling leagues throughout the years. He bowled in a National Bowling Tournament in Las Vegas in 2008. He loved getting together with his family. He enjoyed fishing and going to Thousand Trails at Medina Lake with his RV/boat.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Pantaleon and Martha Lira; brothers: Trinidad, Bruno and Jesus; and mother in law Anita.

He is survived by his wife, Emilia G. Lira; children, Robert (Ana), Sandra and Elaine (Chris); Step-Children, Joaquin Jr. (Jeanette), and Marissa; Ten grandchildren; brother, Salvador (Antonia); sisters, Sara (Tomas), Lupe, Ruth (Salvador), and Anita. Numerous nieces and nephews. Father-in-law: Aurelio; brothers-in-law: Aurelio Jr. (Kathy), Augustine (Alma); sisters-in-law: Anita (Juan), Lupe and Simona.

FUNERAL SERVICES

Visitation will begin on Wednesday, May 11, at 1:00 P.M. with a Rosary to be recited at 7:00 P.M. at the Angelus Chapel. Funeral Mass will be offered on Thursday, May 12, at 9:30 A.M. at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church. Interment will follow in Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery with military honors.