Category: Final Tribute Family Mbrs

Covid-19 Funeral Assistance

3/29/2021

From: Eddie Pinchback
Subj: Covid Info
FEMA will begin to implement COVID-19 funeral assistance in April (Funeral Reimbursement Program). FEMA is reimbursing
up to $9,000 for COVID-19 funerals. Any family member that incurred COVID-19 funeral expenses are encouraged to keep
and gather documentation. For info click on the link below.
COVID-19 Funeral Assistance | FEMA.gov

Wife of Retiree passes away

2/26/2021

Funeral Services for Cynthia Graybeal, Wife of Retired SAPD Detective Arthur Graybeal

Services will be handled by Trinity Funeral Homes, 1002 E. Harrison Ave.,
Harlingen, Texas 78550, Phone: 956-364-2444

Viewing on Wednesday, February 24th, 2021 from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Funeral and Burial to follow on Thursday, February 25th, 2021 at 10:00 AM
Our Condolences to the Family and Friends

Family Assistance Officers

2/15/2021

SAPD Family Assistance Officers
Currently SAPD has a group of officers who volunteer their time to be members of the Family Assistance Program.
Please advise your Family members about these service
Currently SAPD has a group of officers who volunteer their time to be members of the Family Assistance Program. Listed below are specific guidelines to determine when a Family Assistance Officer enters the life of a member to provide assistance:

    A. Death of Active Officer
    * Notification of next of kin, if death occurs on-duty;
    * Transportation to hospital for family members;
    * Notification of the SAPD chaplain;
   * Assistance in making funeral arrangements;
   * Assistance in arranging immediate financial aid;
   * Assistance in preparing necessary paperwork to apply for all eligible benefits; and
   * Counseling for family members of officers killed in the line of duty.

   B. Death of Retired Officer
    * Assistance with contacting the Honor Guard to request the services provided for retirees; and
    * Family counseling and advice if requested.
    * Notification of the SAPD chaplain;
    * Assistance in making funeral arrangements;
    * Assistance in preparing necessary paperwork to apply for all eligible benefits;

While there are numerous other life occurrences that may impact our member’s lives, there are other resources available within the City organization or the SAPOA. For situations that do not fit the criteria above, contact can made with the Chiefs Office at 210-207-7360, to get clarification if Family Assistance should become involved or another resource utilized.

Retiree's son passes away

2/5/2021

From: David Renken
It is with a very heavy broken heart that I am sending this final text message about my son John Ray Renken.

He fought a courageous battle against this killer virus for 47 days in ICU, but after having a conversation with his Mother ( who is in Heaven ) he decided at 5 PM today to reunite with her. He is now free of pain and is in a better place. I want to thank each and every one of you for your love, prayers and support for the last 47 days, and will never forget your kindness that you showed me and my family. ️

Continue to pray for the comfort and peace of the Renken family and friends during this incredibly difficult time

Ronnie Grenrood passes away

1/9/2021

Ronnie Grenrood, worked in SAPD Finance Office for many years.

December 2020
He was moved to a surgical ICU after testing positive for COVID19. Since then he has gone into multi-organ failure. I wish I had better news for everyone. Our hearts are breaking into so many pieces right now. Dad has taken a turn for the worse.
His doctors have upped all his meds as much as possible at this point, but he is no longer responding to anything. His ventilator has completely taken over his breathing for him. We are still praying for a miracle and we ask that you keep sending prayers.
Thank everyone for all your love through this incredibly difficult time.
January 2021
This is from one of Ronnie’s daughters:
At this time, no funeral arrangements have been made yet for our dad Ronald Grenrood .
It will probably be a couple weeks before anything can be done due to the rising cases of COVID in San Antonio and the number of deaths that have also risen.
We have multiple family members with health concerns, we are planning on doing an immediate family only service at the gravesite.
Once we have something in place though, we will post the information.
Thank you all for your love, support, and generosity during our difficult time.

Ben Sifuentes, Sr.

1/9/2021

From Cris Andersen, Retired SAPD
Obit Notice: Ben Moreno Sifuentes Sr

Ben Sr. passed away peacefully at home on December 24, 2020, surrounded by his beloved family. Ben is survived by his loving wife of 68 years, Delia Sifuentes, and their children.

Ben Sifuentes Sr., father of local attorney Ben Sifuentes Jr. (a tremendous fighter for Police Officers is known for standing tall against oppressive police chiefs)
Many SAPD officers benefitted from the services Ben Jr. provided and much of his tenacity came from Ben Sr.

A virtual celebration of Ben’s life will be announced through Cook-Walden. His ashes will be buried at his grandfather’s grave at the Oakwood Cemetery
in East Austin. In lieu of flowers, the family requests a donation to the Hispanic Scholarship Consortium.

https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/austin-tx/ben-sifuentes-9970969

Friend of SAPD passes away

12/17/2020

Mervyn Percy Bloom - December 17, 1953 - November 29, 2020
It is with great sorrow that we inform you of the passing of Mervyn Bloom on Sunday, November 29th. Mervyn is survived by his children Craig, Bradley, and Kira.

He brought joy, positivity, and light to everyone that knew him. May his memory always be a source of blessing. A true supporter of our SAPD Family and all first responders. Many of us went for our eye exam at his office.

Shiva will be held on December 1, 2, 3, and 5 at 5:30 pm at the Bloom home. Due to Covid-19 restrictions, masks will be required and attendance will be limited.
Shiva will be by RSVP only.

Private funeral services were held on Tuesday, December 1st.
Services handled by Porter Loring North

Wife of Retiree passes away

12/17/2020

Joan Harlow (Wife of Retired SAPD Duke Harlow)
Well, it’s all over. My Darlin’ Joan left this world this morning just after midnight! She died at home under hospice care. She had been mostly unresponsive for 11 days. She had dealt with Dementia for many years and this end.
She is in much better place! We had been married 63 years and 5 months (actually, 23,167 days)!
Joan & I had 3 kids (Billy Jack, Bobby Joe & Maribeth) and seven grand kids. She has two Brothers(Bill & Tim)& 1 sister, Luvena who all live in her home state of Georgia. Joan went to Harlandale High but graduated from North Highlands High in Sacramento, Calif. She got her BS degree at Texas State University and Taught at Nimitz Middle School and MacArthur High before retiring in 1989. She had many friends and relatives, in-laws, and had a beautiful singing voice ! She will be greatly missed.
I do want to mention My good friend,Tom Preston, who has always been “there”. I don’t know how long this emptiness will last, but my prayers must comfort me. I might add that my daughter, Maribeth has been my strength!

Frances Marie Barrera - SAPD Communications

9/27/2020

Frances Marie Barrera – SAPD Communication
Frances was born October 04, 1960 and passed away on September 08,2020.
Many of us on the Department did not know her personally but we knew her voice when we called Communication (PSAT) she was a call taker.
Always ready to help Officers and Detectives. She worked the Dispatchers Office for over 25 yrs.before retiring a couple of years ago. A great Blue Line Supporter, she will be missed.

There will be a Celebration of Life on September 19, 2020 at 134 Edinburgh, Boerne Texas, 78015
It will be from 530pm – 630pm
Come by visit and share memories about Frances.

Wife of Retiree Richard Flack

9/27/2020

Esther Mae Whatley Flack

Esther married Richard E. Flack in San Antonio, Retired SAPD. Passed away at
her home in Castroville early in the morning on September 6, 2020.
She was born December 13, 1946 in San Antonio. On December 31, 1979, Esther
married Richard E. Flack in San Antonio.

They were blessed with over forty years of marriage. Esther was secretary
for Medina County Precinct #2 Justice of the Peace.
Before retiring, she was also a Castroville Postal Service Carrier for
fourteen years.

Survivors include her husband, Richard E. Flack of Castroville; children and
their spouses, fifteen grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

Committal Services will be held at Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery on
Wednesday, September 16, 2020. Services will be private for family only.

Arrangements by Tondre-Guinn Funeral Home. Visit
https://www.tondre-guinn.com/obituary/esther-flack

Wife of Retiree passes away

2/22/2020

From: Charles Ross
Subject: Sad News concerning Hugh “Skeeter” Crim

Last Thursday, February 13th, 2020, Hugh “Skeeter” Crim's wife, Janice, passed away unexpectedly. Janice was 62. I talked to Skeeter today and learned of her passing.
He said that Janice's wishes were that the funeral would be small and sweet and only family would attend. Skeeter followed her wishes.
Janice asked that if anybody were to think of her, know that she is in a Better Place and SMILE !!!

Skeeter and Janice would have been married 21 years this August 20th. They reside in Gadsden, Alabama.
Skeeter says, that even though Janice has passed, he will forever be married to her. Skeeter wants everybody to know that he is OK.

I ask that you hold our brother Skeeter in your prayers and ask GOD to comfort him.
Janice also had a request for Skeeter. She wanted him to " Quit Cussing ", to which I say , "Good Luck with that."

Love ya, Brother.
Sorry for your loss. I can only imagine losing a spouse.

February Firearms Qualification

2/18/2020

SAPD Retiree’s Qualification Feb 28, 2020
Retirees need to bring Weapon, 2 mags, Holster,
50 rounds of ammo.
Check or Money Order for $25, payable to COSA. NO CASH. Questions call 210-207-6229

Wife of Retiree passes away

1/19/2020

Debra "Debi" JoAnn Rutledge Welch

At age 66, went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, December 4, 2019 with her loving husband, Ronnie Welch, Retired SAPD, by her side.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Joyce and Tilman Rutledge. She survived by her husband, Ronnie Welch; her brother, Danny Rutledge; and numerous nieces and nephews.

CELEBRATION OF LIFE WAS ON MONDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2019.
ST. ANDREW'S UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 722 ROBINHOOD PLACE, SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Debi's name to St. Andrew's United Methodist Church.
Our Condolences to the Family as they deal with their loss. GOD Bless.

Old Time Police supporter dies

11/27/2019

Ralph “Guero” Romero (Old Lupita’s Café on Navarro St)
Ralph passed away on Monday, Nov 11, 2019. Many of the old timers were regulars at the Café.

Ralph was a great supporter of our Police community.
Many hours studying for promotional exams and just getting out of the heat and cold weather were spent at the Café.

Viewing: November 23, 2019 from 0900am – 400pm. Rosary: 200pm at M.E. Rodriguez Funeral Home, 511 Guadalupe St. San Antonio, TX 78207. Call 210.226.6111

Retiree's Mother has passed away

10/31/2019

From: Charles Ross
Subject: Beverly June Andersen, Mother of retired Captain Cris Andersen
Sad to report that Beverly June Andersen, 89, passed away earlier today. She was the mother of retired Captain Cris Andersen.
Please offer prayers to the Andersen family as they deal with their loss. Condolences to the family. GOD Bless,
June Andersen was born on July 14, 1930 and passed away on October 28, 2019.No Services are scheduled at this time. Sunset Funeral Home , San Antonio, TX. 210-828-2811Mike Ross