Richard L. Dominguez

Richard L. Dominguez, age 88, earned his wings Saturday September 16th at 7 P.M. surrounded by his loving wife and family after a long battle of cancer. He was born on April 2nd, 1935 in Port O'Connor, Texas to Guillermo and Natalia Lopez Dominguez. He went to school in Rockport, Texas back when it was still segregated, only receiving an education up until the 7th grade.

At 17, he decided to join the U.S. Air Force in the year 1952. He answered his nation's call to duty as a member of the 1737th Ferrying Squadron, where he helped maintain F-86 Sabre jet fighter aircraft for deployment in Korea; he left the Air Force after receiving a lifelong disability. He remained proud of his time in the military and committed to honoring his brothers and sisters in uniform. Throughout his life, Richard has been steadfast in his love of country and his devotion to his fellow veterans. When he returned to Rockport, he remained committed to advocate for all those in his community and veterans.

He was preceded in death by his loving daughter Anna Reihl, his parents, his brothers, Fred, Guillermo, Jose, Felix, Daniel Dominguez, and his three sisters, Anita Castillo, Isidora Carrera, and Juanita Dominguez.

He is survived in death by his loving wife Anita Garza Dominguez, his 4 sons, Richard (Debbie-deceased), Ronald (Tellisah), Roger (Shanon) and Jesus (Trelawney) Dominguez, his 2 daughters, Velinda (Rey) Gonzalez, and MaryHelen Moreno. He is also survived by numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

During his time in the U.S. Air Force he served in the Post-Korean conflict where he was stationed in Dover, Delaware. He earned many awards of recognition for his time in the military as well as after. One of these many awards includes a letter from John McCain expressing his appreciation for his years of service both in uniform and afterwards as a community volunteer. In addition June 13, 2022 was recognized as Richard Dominguez Appreciation Day in Aransas County.

One of his proudest moments was in connection with Hector P. Garcia, they founded the Rockport G.I. Forum in 1966; he later played a vital role in the creation of the Veterans Memorial Park in Rockport.

He touched many lives of soldiers, veterans and their family members through his selfless dedication and passion. Our communities and families are stronger because of him.

The visitation will be held from 2 P.M. to 8 P.M. Thursday, September 21,2023, at Charlie Marshall's Funeral Home in Rockport located at 814 E. Main St. in Rockport.

Rosary to be recited at 9:15 A.M. followed by a Funeral Mass will be held on Friday September 22nd at 10 A.M. at Sacred Heart Church.

In Lieu of flowers, The Dominguez Family would like to honor a student from RFISD . A donation could be made at the RF Education Foundation, in the below link. Please note on your donation that it is on behalf of The Richard Dominguez Memorial Scholarship and or grant, in order to award the participant in 2024.

The Family would like to express their deepest appreciation for any donations. He was very passionate on education.

https://rfeducationfoundation.org/support-education-foundation/