Florencio Davila from Texas stepped up during World War II, answering his nation’s call. Now, his family and community are honoring his sacrifices and the legacy he left behind.
Davila, a former Army private first class from Waco, passed away on October 21 at the age of 99. He had expressed a wish to be buried with full military honors, but his family was recently informed that this was being delayed due to a government shutdown.
“As we were preparing, we were told it was because of a government shutdown. There are no military funerals, and there are no funerals at this time,” his granddaughter, Sonya Guerrero, shared with a local ABC channel, expressing her disappointment at the situation.
Guerrero noted that the Army didn’t respond to their requests to ensure her grandfather received a burial that reflected his service.
“I was heartbroken. That was his only request, and when I found out it wasn’t going to happen, I knew I had to make sure it did,” she said.
Davila enlisted in the Army at 18 and served in the 632nd Tank Destroyer Battalion as a gunner, spending time stationed in the Philippines during his service.
“He loved his country. He was a proud veteran,” Guerrero added.
Determined to fulfill her grandfather’s last wishes, Guerrero reached out to numerous government officials and agencies and sought support from the local community.
Eventually, she was connected with Fort Hood’s Victim Assistance Center through her neighbors.
“The community really came together,” Guerrero noted, sharing this advice for other families facing similar challenges: “Please make it happen for them. My grandfather will receive the military honors he deserved.”
Davila’s family remembered him as a hero whose kindness inspired everyone around him.
“My father was someone who genuinely cared about others, often more than himself,” said Davila’s son, Ily Cuevas.
Mr. Davila is set to be buried at Oakwood Cemetery in Waco, alongside his beloved wife Mary, to whom he was married for over 60 years.
“The Bible says to give honor where honor is due. He gave of himself to help others, and he’s thankful to everyone who supported him,” Cuevas concluded.
