Moses Saldana, known affectionately to friends and family as "Big Moe," passed into eternal rest on April 7, 2024, at the venerable age of 85 in San Antonio, Texas. Born on July 7, 1938 in Three Rivers, Texas, Moses lived a life marked by devotion to his family, service to his country, and a passion for craftsmanship.

Having bravely served in the United States Air Force and the Army Reserve for a combined total of 29 years, Moses held the virtues of duty and honor in the highest regard. He was a seasoned veteran of multiple deployments, including a tour during Operation Desert Storm. Moses' commitment to excellence extended into his civilian life where he embarked on undertakings as varied as his interests. His early years were spent in salesmanship, offering shoes with a smile, and laboring at the Pearl Brewery. His crowning professional achievement was the establishment and successful operation of Saldana Machine Service for 45 years, a business renowned for its award-winning manufacturing of aircraft and medical equipment parts—including a pivotal role in the Apollo space program.

Moses led a life rich with hobbies and interests. Along with his dear departed wife Dora, he found decades of joy in the thrum of a bowling ball rolling to a strike, participating together in numerous local and traveling leagues, and looked forward to their weekend date nights of dinner and a movie. With a laugh as big and bold as his personality, Moses was an enthusiastic storyteller and entertainer, fond of hosting game nights and pool parties for family and friends with Dora at their former home on the far west side of San Antonio. He held an insatiable appetite for life, enjoying the rhythms of dance, the meticulous art of tamale making, the thrill of chance at the slot machines, the joy of weekend fishing trips with friends, and the sense of adventure found behind the wheel over numerous road trips. A man of culture, he delighted in the narratives of history, the drama of war and Western films, and the escapades in his favorite movie, "Forrest Gump." His great-grandchildren were a special joy to him, and he loved the opportunity to surprise them with breakfast tacos, sweet bread, and weekend sleepovers.

He was preceded in death by his wife Dora; Siblings Frank, Ernest, David, and Matthew; Parents Frank and Lucy Saldana.

Left to honor Moses' legacy are his children, Leticia Escobedo (Julian), Norma Saldana (Gary Hurt Jr.), Liche Cavazos (Celso), Richard Saldana; Adored grandchildren, Chere Carpentier (Matthew), Kame Escobedo; Treasured great-grandchildren, Sebastian, Delilah, and Maximilian; Brothers George (Lillie), Louis, Daniel (Lupe); Sisters Ellen Gutierrez, Susan Clawson (David); and numerous nephews, nieces, and friends who were touched by his warmth and generosity.

The Saldana family invites those who knew and loved Moses to pay their respects during the viewing and prayer service at Angelus Funeral Home. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, April 16th beginning at 5pm, with services to follow at 7pm. Visitation will resume at Angelus Funeral Home on Wednesday, April 17th, at 8am, with a funeral service at 9am followed by graveside services with full honors at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery.

We bid farewell to Moses "Big Moe" Saldana, a figure of commendable fortitude and joyous spirit, whose memory shall forever be treasured.