Joseph Richard Kerwin

Command Sergeant Major Joseph Richard Kerwin, USA (Ret), 89, passed away on March 6th. Born in Pharr, Texas, Joseph was a decorated WWII, Korea, and Vietnam Veteran. He initially joined the Navy at the age of 17 in 1944. After WWII ended he returned home to McAllen, TX. In 1952 he joined the Army as an infantryman and was sent to the Korean conflict. He returned to the United States and was soon deployed to Germany, after this assignment he went to Fort Bragg, NC. He was part of the elite 82nd Airborne and made over 500 jumps. In 1960 he became part of the Special Forces (Green Berets). He spent 3 tours in Vietnam. His last assignment was in El Paso, Texas. He retired after 30 years of military service. He continued to serve those involved in the Vietnam Conflict by becoming a counselor. He was an avid golfer and enjoyed attending the yearly Special Forces Association conferences. He is preceded in death by his beautiful, loving, and devoted wife Maria P. Kerwin, parents Joseph and Isabel Kerwin. He is survived by his daughter Leticia Sanders (Danny), sons Joseph R Kerwin, Jr, and Jesse Kerwin (Iris); Grandchildren Priscilla, Jeanette, Maria, Jay R, Ryan, Carisa and many great grandchildren. Visitation will be Tuesday, March 14, 9:30-11 a.m., at Sunset Funeral Home – NE at 4631 Hondo Pass Dr. Committal Service will be held at 11:30 a.m. at Ft. Bliss National Cemetery with Full Military honors. Please visit online registry at: www.sunsetfuneralhomes.net.