Socrates Ramirez, born on January 18, 1928 in Laredo, Texas, passed away peacefully in the arms of his loving daughter, Rosario, on November 8, 2022.  He was the son of Francisco and Marina Frias Ramirez. He grew up in Laredo, and enjoyed a happy childhood playing with toy guns, attending school, and engaging in all the activities to earn the merits of becoming an Eagle Scout with the Boy Scouts of America, an achievement that he would hold dear all of his life.

He attended Martin High School and, after graduation, enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in September 1946.  During his enlistment, he served on guard duty in Nevada.  He attained the rank of Corporal and was honorably discharged in 1948. Upon his return to Texas, he continued his education, a passion which he pursued his whole life.  He graduated from the University of Texas in 1952 with a Bachelor's in Business Administration.

While in Laredo, he met, courted, and eventually married Diana Laura Pena. Together they moved to San Antonio where they would start a family. He proudly worked for H.B. Zachry Company for over 50 years.

Socrates Ramirez led an active and engaging life.  He had the gift of friendship.  This quality and his love of life served him well in the San Antonio Charro Association, for which he served as president for two separate terms.  While in his first term, San Antonio celebrated the 1968 Hemisfair.  The friendships he developed during this time led to his serving annually on the Fiesta Commission and the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo Commission. Eventually, the annual spring Charreada became an official part of the San Antonio Fiesta Calendar.

Socrates Ramirez had many diverse interests: horsemanship, ornithology, horticulture, and history. He was a voracious reader and became quite knowledgeable on these and other topics.  His greatest love, outside of his family and friends, became the reading and collecting of books. He also attended lectures and organized clubs of people with similar interests to share knowledge and ideas, particularly on the History of Mexico, Texas, and the Southwestern United States.

He acquired many lasting friendships throughout his life and always remembered them with nostalgia, camaraderie, and affection.

Socrates was preceded in death by his wife Diana.  He is survived by their children Gerardo, Rosario, David, Roberto, and Gracia Ramirez and their spouses, and his 9 grandchildren, and one great-grandson, Noah Ramirez. He will be missed as he was a huge presence and influence in the lives of his family and friends.

A viewing will be held on Wednesday, November 16, at 5:00 PM, with a Rosary at 7:00 PM, at The Angelus Funeral Home.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Thursday, November 17, at 10:00 AM, at St. Paul's Catholic Church with burial following at San Fernando Cemetery #2.  A reception will be held at the Saint Paul's Community Center on 1201 Donaldson, immediately following the burial.