Fortified with the Sacraments of Holy Mother Church Saturday, August 26, 2023.
Beloved husband of the late Loretta Piñon (nee Cooney); loving father of Rita (Chris) McRoy, Ramona Teal, Regina Owens and the late Louis Piñon; adoring grandfather of Francisco (Rebecca) Piñon, Melody (Michael) Hulsey, Angela Piñon, Kimberly (Chris) Balling, Steven “Miles” Martin Jr. and Wendy Piñon-Teal. Our cherished great-grandfather and great-great-grandfather. Dear brother of Tino (Carmen) Piñon and the late Francisco and Louis Piñon. Our dearest uncle, great-uncle, cousin and friend to many.
Modesto R. Piñon was born in Killeen, Texas on November 22, 1922. He was raised by his father, Luis G. Piñon Sr., and his mother, Heliodora Ruiz Piñon in Morelia, Mexico. Modesto earned his Bachelor of Science in Biology in 1947 at Michoacan University of Saint Nicholas of Hidalgo. Modesto was passionate about Biology and fascinated by human anatomy. He attended medical school for two years and completed an internship providing OB/GYN services to nuns in the convent. He then relocated to Saint Louis, Missouri where he joined his father and siblings. His favorite genre of music was Big Band, and he loved ballroom and swing dancing every weekend at the Casa Loma Ballroom. Modesto was an avid swimmer, participated in the Pan American Games, and was a cliff diver in Mexico. In fact, he swam across the Mississippi River when he arrived in Saint Louis in the early 50’s. Modesto worked as a Research Scientist at Sigma Chemical Company (Sigma Aldrich). He retired as a Quality Control Analyst at Continental International Co (Contico). Modesto also served for many years as a Secretary for the Saint Louis Mexican Society (founded by his father in 1936). Modesto married Loretta A. Cooney in 1956 and raised four children (Rita, Ramona, Regina, and Louis) and six grandchildren (Francisco, Melody, Angie, Kimberly, Steven, and Wendy) over the next several decades. After retirement, he spent most of his time with family, working on cars, playing the lottery, and indulging in sweet confections – particularly lemon-flavored cakes. Out of all things in life, Modesto cherished family the most. He always had an open-door policy and was a father to all. Modesto impacted countless lives. His legacy lives on in all of us – Modesto, a man, a father, a legend.
Visitation at Kutis Affton Chapel 10151 Gravois Rd. 63123 on Wednesday, August 30 from 5-9 pm. with Funeral Service on Thursday, August 31 at 12 noon. Interment will be held in private.
I love this story about his life! He was such a sweetheart and a good man. I only knew him for a quarter of his lifetime but I’m happy I met him when I did and got to come over and call him grandpa even thought he wasn’t my grandpa. I’m happy he lived a long life with so many people that loved him dearly, he definitely was a outstanding human that deserved it. ❤️