Fred Fierros Balderrama, of La Coste, Texas, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on May 8, 2025 at the age of 86 in Nolanville, Texas. He was born July 22, 1938 in Bexar County, Texas, to Augustin R. Balderrama and Micaela Fierros Balderrama.

He will be forever remembered and loved by his sons, Fred R. Balderrama, Jr. of Harker Heights, Texas, Steven R. Balderrama (Lori) of Junction City, Kansas; daughters, Connie B. Williamson (Kirby) of Nolanville, Texas, Melissa Balderrama of La Coste, Texas, and Esmeralda Balderrama of Baton Rouge, Louisiana; sisters, Virginia Bramlett and Cordelia Jimenez, brothers, Augustine F. Balderrama (Beatrice), Guadalupe F. Balderrama, and Fidel F. Balderrama, sisters-in-law, Anita Brown and Sharlene Romero.

Also left to cherish his memory are his grandchildren, Alex Balderrama, Gabriela Queener, Joseph Balderrama, Teresa Jandrain, Elisa Hardin, Norman Sammons, Ronnie Sammons, Amanda Alfaro, and Miguel Martin along with numerous great-grandchildren.

Fred was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Mary Helen Romero Balderrama; sisters, Patricia Mendez and Rosa F. Balderrama; brothers Raymond F. Balderrama, and Manuel Balderrama.

He was a loving and caring husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend. He was proud of all his children and lived life to the fullest. He will be remembered for his boundless generosity, unwavering patriotism, and the joy he brought to those around him. His smile, laughter, and stories will be deeply missed.

He grew up in Western Bexar County near La Coste, Texas. He served in the United States Army for 32 years. He was very proud to serve his country. He was a proud paratrooper with the 173rd and was in the Special Forces. He was also in the Texas State Guard for 11 years and was a Vietnam Veteran. His dedication extended beyond active duty. He was an active member of several veterans' organizations including the VFW, Knights of Columbus, Alamo Silver Wings, Ft. Sam Memorial Services Detachment, and the American Legion. He even appeared in the John Wayne film The Green Berets, where he earned the nickname "Baldo"—a name he embraced ever since. When they asked him what his name was he told them Balderrama, and they said "oh no that is too long" so they shortened it to Baldo and the rest is history!

His duty stations were at Ft. Benning, Georgia, Ft. Bragg, North Carolina, Ft. Clayton, Panama, Selfridge Air Force Base, Michigan, Ft. Buchanan, Puerto Rico and Ft. Hood, Texas. One of our favorite trips and memory as a family was driving from Panama, all through Central America and driving all the way up to Michigan to our next duty station (4,000 + miles). We stopped at our loving Uncle Jimmy, Aunt Anita, cousins Pat and Cathy's house in Natalia, Texas. They took our family in between duty stations while waiting for base housing which took months. Both my Dad and Mom were very thankful for that and for the fun and treasured times we had while we were there.

Visitation will be Thursday, May 29, 2025 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Tondre-Guinn Funeral Home, with the Holy Rosary recited at 5:30 p.m. The Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, May 30, 2025 at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church. Interment will follow at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Cemetery in La Coste, Texas with full military honors.

The family would like to thank everyone for their love, friendship, support and prayers. They all helped and will continue to do so in the difficult time ahead.

Arrangements by Tondre-Guinn Funeral Home. www.tondre-guinn.com