Jesus P. Estrada Military Banner Flies High

COLTOM>> Those who have served their country deserve to be remembered for their courage and sacrifice. In this case, Jesus P. Estrada, known by loved ones by his nickname “Chuy,” will be remembered for his generosity and loving nature that he carried with him throughout his life. On Tuesday, Dec. 13 2016, the day of Estrada’s birthday, a military banner installation was raised on the corner of Meridian & C St in honor of Estrada for his years of service in the military. Estrada was a private first class in the U.S army and served for four years stationed in Germany for the majority of it. “His favorite stories to tell were those of his time in the military and experiencing the German Culture,” said Frances Estrada, Jesus P. Estrada eldest daughter. “My father was proud of serving his country that we wanted to get a Hometown Hero Banner to Memorialize and honor his memory.” Estrada was also known for being an accomplished upholsterer, making many pieces of furniture for family members. He coached softball for Carl Rumbaugh for his 3 daughter and always considered his 3 daughters, 13 grandkids and 6 great-grandchildren to be his greatest accomplishment. Estrada’s family was originally going to present the banner as a Father’s Day gift to the veteran, but after a battle with cancer Estrada passed away on Friday, Jan. 23, 2016. “He was always willing to go above and beyond for everyone; he was my best friend and he made me a better man,” said Rich Underwood, Estrada's brother-in-law. More than 40 people showed up to his military banner installation. Each person that was there had a part in making the military banner installation possible, said Jeanette Reynosa, Estrada’s daughter. The banner sits high and can be seen from Jesus P. Estrada grave site, the installation was important to Estrada, according to his grandson, Robert Estrada. “Whenever we drove by one of those banners he would say how much he liked them and had wanted one,” he said. “I’m proud that we could finally give him what he wanted.” Estrada is missed by his family as the anniversary of his death approaches. He is remembered for his kindness, humor and the way he always welcomed people into his life with open arms and kind words. He is described as a man who “didn’t have a mean bone in his body,” a great father and a loving grandfather. “He will always be missed and we think about him every day,” said Gina Reynosa, Estrada’s granddaughter. “We are glad that he is no longer suffering and that we can see his banner everyday as we go on throughout the days in the future."