Antonio Cadena, Sr. entered into rest with the Lord, on Wednesday, January 3, 2007, at Main Methodist Hospital, in San Antonio, Texas, after a fortuitously short battle with cancer. He was born on April 4, 1938 to Jose Maria Cadena and Gabriela Alonzo Barron, both of whom preceded him in death. Mr. Cadena, one of 7 brothers and 1 sister, was born and raised in the Brackettville area and graduated from Brackettville High School in 1957. He dutifully enlisted in the United States Air Force in November 1960 and served during both the Korean War and Vietnam Conflict. He married Hercilia Vasquez Cadena on April 14, 1963, and had two children, Cynthia Ann, currently a nurse at Wilford Hall in San Antonio, and Dr. Antonio Cadena, Jr., local family practice physician. After proudly serving his country, Mr. Cadena worked for Texas Industrial and then as a Frito Lay distributor for several years. He was last employed as an area manager for various convenience stores of Neal, Inc., in the 90"�s. Grandpa, as he was affectionately known by many of the Del Rio community, will best be remembered for his devotion and dedication, not only to his four natural grandchildren, but to countless other grandkids, whom he took under his guidance, offering advice and assistance when needed. Mr. Cadena loved all-around sports, and was so proud of all youth in pursuit of a dream, especially those who had been, and continue to be a part of, such recreational, youth-oriented sports teams as the Sacred Heart Lady Crusaders and Crusaders, DRB&G Club Lakers, Longhorns and Lady Longhorns, Mudhens, American All-Stars, Lady Fire, Storm, Roadrunners, Spurs, Dodgers, and most recently, the DRLYSA Legalees & Texans, and the Del Rio High School Queens and Rams Basketball programs. Grandpa was happiest when he was called to be the assistant dugout coach, game scorekeeper, or team"�s water supplier, never wanting the recognition, but simply deriving pleasure in seeing his players strive to be the best they could be. He believed in two qualities essential for success, good sportsmanship and respect among players, not just getting the win. Grandpa was also proud of his kid-chauffer responsibilities, and could often be seen daily supporting local fast-food establishments, especially after a game or after school. All of this was the spice of his life. Mr. Antonio Cadena, Sr., is survived by his beloved wife of 43 years, Hercilia, daughter & son-in-law, Cynthia and Eddie Gutierrez, son & daughter-in-law, Drs. Antonio and Veronica Cadena, and grandchildren, Julia Theresa, Louis Anthony, Isabella Diane, and Sara Olivia Cadena. He is also survived by his brothers and wives, Manuel and Albina Cadena of Crane, Texas, Andres and Margie Cadena of El Paso, Texas, Marcelino and Ofilia Cadena of Monks Corner, South Carolina, Aurelio and Sandra Cadena of St. Marys, Georgia, Jeronimo and Grace Cadena of San Antonio, Texas and brother Jose Cadena of Aurora, Colorado. Mr. Cadena is also survived by his only sister and her husband, Julia and Ted Arredondo of San Antonio, Texas. He will also be missed dearly by numerous nieces and nephews. A Visitation will be held at Sunset Memorial Oaks funeral home Sunday, January 7, 2007 from 5:00P.M. to 9:00 P.M. with a reaction of the holy Rosary at 7:00 P.M. A Mass of Christian burial is planned for Monday, January 8, 2007 at 10 AM at Sacred Heart Church with graveside service following at Sunset Memorial Oaks Cemetery. Military Honors will be conducted by Laughlin A.F.B. Honor Guard and American Legion Post # 595. The family requests that donations be made to Sacred Heart School or the VVRMC Hospice Program in lieu of flowers.