Ramon was born in Nuevo Laredo Mexico in 1929. He studied accounting at the University of Mexico prior to pursuing his dream of flying by enlisting in the U. S. Air Force in 1950. He trained in radar-mechanics and applied for the Aviation Cadet Program. In 1955, he was Commissioned and graduated as a member of Class 55-Q. He qualified for jet fighter training and flew the F-84 and the Supersonic F-100. In December of 1955, he married Yolanda Echeverria and they began their journey traveling the world and raising five children.
He was stationed to a jet fighter squadron at Lakenheath, England and then transferred as a NATO pilot in Izmir, Turkey. Ramon was deployed to Vietnam where he flew the unarmed 02 spotter plane as a forward controller and the F-100 completing many tactical missions. He completed his military career as an instructor pilot teaching flight instruments. He retired in 1970 after receiving numerous recognitions including the Air Medal and was a member of the Daedalians. In 1974, he received his Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Texas at Austin.
Ramon H. Perez, Maj USAF, Ret., “Headed West” on January 26, 2015.
Retired U.S.A.F. Major Ramon Hector Perez “Papa Mon”, passed from this earth on January 26, 2015 after a brief illness, surrounded by his wife and children in Austin, Texas. Ramon lived a life dedicated to his family and proudly served this country as an officer in the United States Air Force.
Ramon was born in Nuevo Laredo Mexico in 1929. He studied accounting at the University of Mexico prior to pursuing his dream of flying by enlisting in the U. S. Air Force in 1950. He trained in radar-mechanics and applied for the Aviation Cadet Program. In 1955, he was Commissioned and graduated as a member of Class 55-Q. He qualified for jet fighter training and flew the F-84 and the Supersonic F-100. In December of 1955, he married Yolanda Echeverria and they began their journey traveling the world and raising five children.
He was stationed to a jet fighter squadron at Lakenheath, England and then transferred as a NATO pilot in Izmir, Turkey. Ramon was deployed to Vietnam where he flew the unarmed 02 spotter plane as a forward controller and the F-100 completing many tactical missions. He completed his military career as an instructor pilot teaching flight instruments. He retired in 1970 after receiving numerous recognitions including the Air Medal and was a member of the Daedalians. In 1974, he received his Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Texas at Austin.
Ramon was a dedicated father who enjoyed traveling, riding motorcycles, boating, camping, watching sports, repairing anything mechanical and had a tremendous gift of photography all of which he shared with his children. In 2009, he married Silvia Aguirre and they enjoyed his final years together.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Ramon Hilario Perez and Maria Flores de Perez. Ramon is survived by his wife, Silvia; children, Laura and husband Dr. Larry C. Kravitz, Patricia and husband Kenneth R. Garthune, Ramon H. Perez Jr. and wife Michelle, Maria and husband Randall Lowery, and Silvia Tipton; 16 grandchildren; siblings: Maria Gloria P. de Castillo; Juan F. Perez and wife Nelda; and Rosalinda P. Carle; and 16 nieces and nephews.
Major Ramon Hector Perez was buried with full military honors at the Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the Christopher House Hospice Center in Austin, Texas or the Wounded Warrior Project. The family wishes to thank the staff of Visiting Angels and Christopher House Hospice Center for their compassion and professionalism.
