SMSgt. Americo Paredes, USAF Retired

Retired USAF SMSgt Americo Paredes Jr. age 81, passed away at his home on Wednesday May 8, 2024, in Bastrop, Texas. 

Americo Jr. was born on October 24, 1942, in Brownsville, Texas to Consuelo (Chelo) Silva and Americo Paredes. He attended schools in Corpus Christi, Texas and graduated from WB Ray High School in 1962. Upon graduating from high school, Americo enlisted in the United States Air Force and embarked on a 28-year career. 

At the beginning of his Air Force career, he was stationed in Topeka, Kansas. It was during his duty in Kansas that he met his wife, Virginia Watchous. As he recalled, "it was love at first sight. For me anyway" They were married on April 11, 1962, and would remain together until Virginia's passing on December 25, 2022. They were married for 55 years. In 1970, Americo was stationed at Bergstrom Air Force base in Austin, Texas. Americo and Virginia became foster parents and adopted their children in 1972, a set of twins. They had a son, David Nathan and daughter, Nicole Dawn.  

Americo's career took his family to various places.  There were stationed in Fort Worth, Texas, Germany (Zweibrucken AFB), Idaho (Mt. Home AFB), England (Upper Heyford, AFB), Alabama (Maxwell AFB), Spain (Torrejon AFB), and retired at Bergstrom AFB in Austin, Texas. Americo had an outstanding career in the Air Force, receiving many awards and accolades for his service and work ethic. 

David and Nikki always recall memories of their dad. Being in the military, well, he was strict. We have no problem saying so because he was. We had to say, "yes sir" and "yes ma'am", our rooms had to be clean and he would inspect them. Once we tried to shove everything in the closet. Only to have him open the closet and make us start over. Everything had its place. There was no fooling him. He knew all our tricks. Our love of movies came from Dad because our time with him always involved him taking us to movies. He would tell us stories about going to see monster movies like "The Mummy" and "Frankenstein" and how much a quarter would get him as a child.  "I could go to a movie, (double feature), get popcorn, soda, candy and have change left over" he would tell us while we waited for him to give us our allowance.  

He was a devoted Texas Longhorn and Dallas Cowboys fan.  And of course. He loved his game of golf with his group the Whiners. 

He was a great dad and grandfather to his children and grandchildren. We will all miss him, his sense of humor, his teasing, and even his yelling. Yes Dad. We will miss you yelling at us. Hahaha, well David will more than me… 

Americo is survived by his son, David, daughter Nicole (Jesse), grandchildren James and Erica Paredes, and his great-grandchildren, Isaac, Gabriella, and Nataliah Fabian and Daniel Vasquez, Jr. He is preceded in death by his wife Virginia. 

He is also survived by his brothers and sister on his father's side, Alan (Jackie) and Vincent (Terri) Paredes, sister Julie. His siblings on his mother's side-Garnette (Joe), Rene, and Leslie Perez.  He leaves behind his beloved Aunt Margarita Rios as well as numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.