Fernando "Fred" Colmenero

Fernando “Fred” Santos Colmenero, 79, passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 16, 2023, surrounded by his family.

Fred was born in Corpus Christi, Texas on December 8, 1943. He was one of eight children born to Alejandro Francisco and Margarita Santos Colmenero.

Some memories Fred shared about his teenage years were stories on how he rescued his sister (Rosie) from a kidnapper and hitchhiked from Corpus Christi to San Francisco.

Fred loved the Lord. In his younger years, he ministered on the streets of Houston. As he grew in his faith, Fred ministered to others about the love of Jesus every opportunity he had.

On July 6, 1964 he enlisted in the United States Marine Corp where he served with honor for 2 tours in the Vietnam war. He was there for the Tet Offensive and also trained and managed dogs to help fight the enemy. Fred and Duke, the German shepherd he trained, saved countless lives. Fred was honorably discharged on February 24, 1969.

On August 3, 1969, Fred married Lyn Bruemmer and had his precious daughter named Cecilia “Cissy” Lyn. Fred and Lyn divorced in 1972. On April 1, 1974, Fred married Beverly Kaye Fullerton and happily became father to Michael and Daniel. Two years later, David Andrew, a beautiful little boy with lots of curly hair, was born into the Colmenero family.

Fred was a master carpenter and jack of all trades, including a shade tree mechanic, truck driver, licensed counselor for at-risk youth, and even a beautician at one point.

Fred loved going on missions trips and ministered in Africa, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Mexico. While Kaye was the anchor of the family, Dad was the restless spirit always seeking adventure and ministry opportunities. Kaye used to say, “Fred needs to go on a mission trip or he would want to move again.”

Fred was a man’s man and loved to teach his children and grandchildren about hunting, fishing, and a strong work ethic. Fred was a type of man who liked to keep busy fixing things around his and his kids' homes.

Fred was known as “Poppy” to his grandchildren and he loved them all very, very much. He gave them his undivided attention. There are memories of him getting on the floor to talk and play with them. Poppy was always encouraging them, bragging about them, and showing off pictures of all the grandkids he had in his wallet.

Fred is survived by his Sisters: Rosaura Lee and Rosario Colmenero; Children: Michael Wasson (Wife - Linda), Cissy Grimes (Husband - Kevin), Daniel Wasson (Wife - Sarah), and David Colmenero (Wife - Debi). Grandchildren: Eric Grimes, Brittany Stewart (Husband - Gatlin), Kaitlyn Grimes, Rachel Grimes, Timothy Wasson, Kyla Wasson, Julian Colmenero Schroeder, Rory Schroeder, Micheal Naron, Autumn Naron, and Elya Colmenero. Great Grandchildren: Riley Sweeney, Logan Grimes, and Jaden England. Fred was preceded in death by his wife Beverly Kaye Colmenero, parents Francisco and Margarita Colmenero, siblings Mario Colmenero, Adelina Alcala, Rachel Pike, and Roger Colmenero.

Dad has finally found the perfect place to call home that he will never leave.