John Xavier Olivo was called home to the Lord after a courageous battle with cancer. He leaves behind a legacy of love, service, and unwavering faith. He is survived by his devoted wife, Cristina; his daughter, Ana, and her husband, Eduardo; and his beloved grandchildren: Forrest, Xavier, Ashelin, Michael, and Valentino. He is also lovingly remembered by his sisters, Grace, Sylvia, and Netty. Xavier is now reunited in God’s embrace with his parents and his beloved son, Jose.

Born on December 27, 1946, Xavier was the cherished middle child and only son in a proud Tejano and Mexican American family. He inherited a deep appreciation for his heritage and proudly shared his culture throughout his life—with his family, friends, and community.

In 1964, Xavier began his studies at the University of Texas at Austin. There, he joined ROTC and followed in his father’s footsteps as a musician, playing the alto saxophone and clarinet in the Longhorn Band. He was part of the first class to live in unsegregated dorms—an experience that left a lasting impression, reflecting a world in transition and the rise of new opportunities. Just a month after graduating in 1968, he married Maria Cristina, and together, they began a life rooted in love and service.

Xavier fulfilled his dream of serving his country with honor, joining the United States Air Force as an officer in 1968 and beginning his career as an instructor navigator in Sacramento, California. A year later, he was deployed to serve in the Vietnam War. During this time, their first child, Jose, was born in 1969, followed by Ana in 1970.

Throughout his distinguished 23-year military career, Xavier rose to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. His service included key assignments such as Occupational Analyst in San Antonio, TX (1976), Operations Manager in Omaha, NE (1980), and Director of Vehicle Maintenance in Athens, Greece, where he served with the 922nd Strategic Air Command at Hellenikon Air Base. He culminated his career as Vice President of the Vehicle Systems Division for Strategic Air Command in Omaha, NE, retiring with honor in 1992.

Throughout his service, Xavier’s assignments took his family from California to Massachusetts, Nebraska, and across the globe to Greece—opening doors to explore Europe and beyond. He approached military life as an adventure, instilling in his children a global perspective, resilience, and a deep pride in service.

Xavier carried with him a deep respect for his fellow service members. He lived the Air Force creed—Fly, Fight, and Win—not only in uniform but in every facet of life. He mentored countless airmen with humility and heart, leaving an indelible mark on those he led.

After retiring from the Air Force, Xavier brought the same integrity and dedication to his civilian career, serving as Fleet Manager at H-E-B, where he embraced new challenges and expanded his understanding of business. There, too, he led by example—learning, growing, and serving with pride.

Xavier's faith was a cornerstone of his identity, and it became even more profound after the passing of his son, Jose, in 2017. In that time of sorrow, Xavier drew strength from prayer and the teachings of Pope St. John XXIII. His devotion to God and his community deepened as he began guiding others through retreats—always with compassion, humility, and grace.

Xavier will be remembered for his wisdom, passion, and steadfast generosity. His life was a testament to faith, family, and service. His legacy lives on in his grandchildren, who carry the heart of a man known lovingly as husband, father, grandfather, brother, mentor, and friend.

May he soar with the angels and rest in eternal peace.

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