Zuniga

COL (Ret) Francisco “Frank” Zuniga, 60, of Bastrop, Texas, passed away at home on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, after a courageous battle with ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease).

Frank was born on April 2, 1966, in King City, Calif., to Eustaquio and Maria (Infante) Zuniga. He married Theresa Billeck on Oct. 11, 1997, in Austin, and they shared 29 years of marriage together.

Frank began his military career as a cadet at the United States Military Academy in July 1984. He was commissioned into the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in May 1988, earning a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering. He later earned a Master of Business Administration from Touro University and was a registered professional engineer in the State of Texas. He also completed Airborne School and Ranger School.

He served on active duty in the United States Army from 1988 to 1999, including participation in Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. His assignments included Germany, Fort Hood, and Camp Doha, Kuwait. In 2000, he continued his service with the Texas Army National Guard, supporting Operation Noble Eagle and response efforts for Hurricanes Katrina, Rita, and Ike. He also served with Task Force Hammer in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

Frank commanded the 386th Engineer Battalion from March 2006 to January 2008. He later served as Chief of Staff for the Texas National Guard’s Domestic Response Task Force, and in January 2010, he was reassigned as Chief of Staff of the 176th Engineer Brigade. He served in this role during the unit’s deployment to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Following their return in July 2011, he served as Chief of Staff for Domestic Operations at Texas National Guard Headquarters until his retirement in 2012.

His many awards and decorations include the Legion of Merit, two Bronze Star Medals, seven Meritorious Service Medals, the Kuwait Liberation Medal (Saudi Arabia), the Kuwait Liberation Medal (Government of Kuwait), the Airborne Badge, and the Ranger Tab. He was also awarded the De Fleury Medal by the U.S. Army Engineer Association and the National Guard Association of Texas Minuteman Award.

Frank leaves behind a legacy of exceptional leadership, mentorship, and compassion. He was an avid Snoopy fan and loved to cook—especially beans and rice, which he happily would have eaten every day if allowed. He loved to travel, and together he and his wife explored destinations across the United States, creating lasting memories along the way. He also loved to read and was a lifelong learner who genuinely enjoyed school and continued growing his knowledge throughout his life. After retiring from the Army, he became a licensed real estate agent in Texas and spent his time buying and remodeling homes for resale until his illness. He had a special love for cats and was often affectionately called the “Pied Piper of cats,” as stray cats seemed to find him wherever he went. Over the years, he and his wife shared their home with many cats who became like children to them.

The West Point and Army Engineer communities were central to his life. He had a warm, reassuring smile and a presence that brought comfort to others. A devoted Catholic, his faith guided his life and gave him strength.

Frank was diagnosed with ALS in April 2024 and faced the disease with courage and determination. The care and support of Dr. Jeffrey Tramonte and the team at the Baylor Scott & White ALS Clinic in Round Rock, as well as the Austin Veterans Affairs Clinic, were deeply appreciated by him and his family. In the end, he was at peace.

He is survived by his wife, Theresa Billeck-Zuniga; his mother, Maria Zuniga; his brother, Martin Zuniga; and his sisters, Emilia and Geri Zuniga, all of King City, Calif. He is also survived by his father- in-law, Henry Billeck of La Grange, sister-in-law, Debi Steinhauser of Bastrop; his brother-in-law, Brian Billeck of San Antonio; many nieces and nephews; and his beloved cat, Jack Zuniga.

He was preceded in death by his father, Eustaquio Zuniga, and his mother-in-law, SuNell Billeck.

A Memorial Service will be held at Koenig-Belvill Funeral Home & Cremations of La Grange on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, at 1 p.m. officiated by Pastor Dale Brynestad. Immediately following the chapel service, a graveside service with military honors will be held at the Queen of the Holy Rosary Catholic Cemetery, 936 FM 2436, La Grange.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the National Guard Association of Texas Educational Foundation, COL (Ret) Frank Zuniga & MSG (Ret) Theresa Billeck-Zuniga Scholarship: https://ngat.org/ngatef/

Family and friends can view and sign the guestbook online at www.lagrangefunerals. com.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Koenig-Belvill Funeral Home & Cremations in La Grange.