Rudy Edward Espinoza February 2, 1945- February 10, 2007On February 10th, 2007 our beloved Rudy Edward Espinoza 62 years of age was called by his Heavenly Father to help guard the Pearly Gates of Heaven along with all his fallen Marine brothers. He was preceded in death by his parents Barney Espinoza Sr. and Helen Cantu Espinoza. He is survived by his loving wife Kim; brother Barney Espinoza Jr. and wife Ella; three daughters Victoria Govea and husband Eric, Kathryn Corpus and husband J.R. , Jennifer Marie Espinoza-Hughes; Niece, Denise Espinoza of Hawaii, Nephew Rod Espinoza, Great Niece, Crystal Hudman, His wonderful grandchildren known as "Grandpa Rudy?s Famous Circus" Gabby-The Ring Master, Lilly ? The Clown, Zach "Jose Cuervo"- The Clown, Benjamin ? The Lion and Nana- The Tiger. Rudy was told before his passing that he would become a grandfather again. He loved his grandchildren very much. Rudy, graduated from Johnston High School in 1963. He then went to work for Railway Express Agency as a train messenger. In 1965 he joined the U. S. Marine Corps where he served in Vietnam and was wounded. He received many awards for his bravery during the war including two Purple Hearts, the Bronze Star and other awards. Upon returning from Vietnam he began working at the Travis County Sheriffs Department as a Felony Warrants Officer for 12 years. While working at the Sheriffs Department he was a Big Brother and he mentored many youths with the Law Enforcement Explorers Post. One particular young man that Rudy was especially proud of was former Police Officer/ Detective Mark Gil. Mark was recognized by the President of the United States at the White House for being "Top Cop" along with former officer Robert Martinez. Through out his life Rudy worked in various fields and with many different people, such as country singer Willie Nelson during his 4th of July concerts as backstage security and as a driver. He also for a short time was a driver for actress Sandra Bullock. Rudy also worked for the Olive Garden Restaurant where he was a cook and he made "Employee of the Year" 3 years in a row. While he worked at the restaurant he was very involved in the "Adopt a School" program. He was called Mr. Olive Garden by many of the students at Sunset Valley Elementary. He was recognized by the P.T.A. of Texas and made an Honorary Lifetime member for his hard work and dedication with the program. Rudy?s last place of employment was Golden Corral before his health started failing him. Even though he was very ill in his last years, he still kept a smile on his face and always had a great joke to tell. Rudy fought to the very end. He will be missed dearly by many, friends and family. Recitation of rosary Thursday, 7:00 p.m. at the Mission Funeral Home Serenity Chapel 6204 South First Street . Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated Friday 10:00 a.m. at Cristo Rey Catholic Church 103 Robert Martinez Street. Interment will follow at Assumption Cemetery 3650 South I.H.35. Honorary pallbearers are the Travis County Sheriff?s Department, The Military Order of the Purple Heart Chapter 1919, best childhood friend Lupe Garcia, Anthony Hernandez and Joe "Bambi" Arriaga. The Espinoza family would like to thank all the family and friends that offered their support and prayers to his loving wife Kim, his daughters Victoria, Kathryn and brother Barney during this difficult time. The family would also like to extend special thanks to all the doctors, nurses and technicians at South Austin Medical Center and Dr. Joe Spann and Nurse Cheryl Lee of the Austin VA Clinic for their care of Rudy. In lieu of flowers the family is requesting donations be sent to: Kim Espinoza United Heritage Credit Union P.O. Box 1648 Austin, Texas 78767-9797 ACCOUNT #26485600