Robert Maldonado

ELOY — Robert G. Maldonado, 68, of Eloy died on Feb. 11, 2012, at Casa Grande Regional Medical Center.
The celebration of life will begin at 9 a.m. today at J. Warren Funeral Services, Valley Chapel, with Pastor Moses Sanchez officiating.
Mr. Maldonado was born on June 6, 1943, in Reedville, Texas, to Elvira and Eugene Maldonado. He grew up in Nixon, Texas, where he attended Nixon High School and played football, baseball and volleyball and was a member of FFA. He enlisted in the Army in 1963 and continued on active duty until 1969, seeing action during the Vietnam War. He received the Vietnam Service, Good Conduct, National Defense Service, NCO Professional Development, Army Service, Sharpshooter with M-1 Rifle, Marksman with .45 Pistol and Expert with M14 Rifle medals and awards.
He moved to Eloy in 1972, where he met, fell in love with and married Edilia. He enlisted in the Army National Guard in 1984 and served until 1992, when he received a medical discharge due to an injury sustained in Operation Desert Shield. He worked for the Arizona Department of Economic Security for 25 years, where he was a supervisor, and was active in Arizona politics and a proud union member. After retirement he enjoyed travel, spending time with his family in Arizona and Texas, and yard work.
In addition to his wife, survivors include a daughter, Rachel Rivera of Tucson; three sons, Robert Maldonado Jr. of Casa Grande, Eugene and Richard Maldonado of Eloy; two sisters, Josephine M. Gaytan of Nixon and Elvira Hilt of Converse, Texas; a brother, Jesse Maldonado of Nixon; nine grandchildren; and a great-grandchild.
Memorial contributions may be made to veterans charities, especially Wounded Warrior Project.