Richard Mejia Peña, Jr. was born on September 9, 1943, to the parents of Ricardo Arellano Peña, Sr. and Anita Mejia in Nuevo Laredo, Mexico. His family moved to Laredo, Texas by July 1949 and finally resided in San Antonio, Texas by March 1957.

In March 1962, Richard took an Oath of Allegiance and became a naturalized citizen of the United States. In October 1962, Richard enlisted in the United States Navy and served aboard the submarine USS Wahoo for four years. After serving his country, he was honorably discharged from the Navy and worked for the U.S. Post Office from November 1968 until his retirement in February 2013.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Maria Elena Crisp and his brother Robert Peña. He is survived by his brother Alfred Peña, his son Ronald Richard Peña and his wife Melanie Test Peña, and grandchildren Madeline Melissa Peña and Amanda Marie Peña.

Richard loved the Lord Jesus Christ and faithfully served Him all his life. He was a kind, generous, and loving father. May he rest in peace.

Funeral Services: Monday, March 20, 9:00am at the Angelus Chapel.  Interment will follow at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery with military honors.