TSgt. Miguel Saavedra, Sr.

TSgt. Miguel Saavedra, Sr., 92 years old and residing in Vancleave, Mississippi passed away on Friday, April 17, 2026, in Vancleave.

Miguel was born on September 29, 1933, in Mission, Texas, to Maria del Carmen Saavedra and Jose Ramirez. He was a proud veteran, serving in the United States Air Force from 1951, enlisting at the age of 17, until 1972. During his military career, he served in both the Korean Conflict and the Vietnam War, earning several honors, including the Bronze Star Medal, the Korean Service Medal, and the RVN Service and Gallantry Cross with Palm Medal.

In 1955, he was sent to Keesler Air Force Base for Radar School to be with the 688 Aircraft Control and Warning Squadron in Amarillo, Texas and was part of the 33rd Air Division.

Miguel completed his GED while serving in the military and attended the University of Alaska while stationed in Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska. He received his associate’s degree from Jackson Junior College in 1978 and went on to attend the University of Southern Mississippi. He then completed his third year assigned to Keesler Air Force Base from 1968 – 1970 and was assigned to the 3394 Instructor Squadron where he was an instructor for the 407th Manual Radar System.

Miguel was stationed in Udorn, Thailand in September 1970. In September 1971 he was reassigned to Keesler Air Force Base, where he served as an instructor until retiring from active duty on October 1, 1972. Following his retirement, he worked at Keesler Air Force Base as a SORTS (Status of Resource and Training System) Instructor until he received detail to instruct a Spanish class to the Colombian Air Force for the Drug Interdiction Program. After a year, enough personnel had been trained so they could return to Colombia to start a class of their own. Westinghouse later got the contract to teach them.

Miguel then returned to teaching, retiring from Civil Service in 1997. He went on to serve his local community as a volunteer and a member of several organizations including the American Legion, the VFW, Cub Scouts and CASA. Miguel organized the Gulf Coast Hispanic Cultural Society in 1987, holding the first meeting at the Ocean Springs Library.

Miguel was a loving, mentoring and supportive father.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Carmen Saavedra and Jose Ramirez; his son, Tony R. Saavedra; and grandson, Michael Jason Carter.

Miguel is survived by his loving wife Barbara J. Saavedra; his children, Rose (Saavedra) Jerrels, Anna (Saavedra) Gautreaux, and Carmen (Saavedra) Maier; his grandchildren, Melissa Jerrels, Michelle Rodriguez (Hilario), Brian Jerrels (Ania), Rochelle Allen (Jamie), Brook Gautreaux, and Manfredd Mair; his great-grandchildren, Gabriella Rodriguez, Ethan Rodriguez, Guilliana Rodriguez, Aaliyah Ratliff, Aubrey Allen, Adrienne Allen, Luca Jerrels, Levy Jerrels, and Jacob Wade; and his beloved sister-in-law, Sheila Marie Naquin (Rick).

Funeral services will be held at 11:30 AM on Monday, April 27, 2026, at the Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home on Pass Road. Friends may visit one hour prior. Interment at Biloxi National Cemetery with arrival at 12:30 PM.

In lieu of flowers please send donation to:

St. Jude Hospital

501 St. Jude Place

Memphis, TN 38105

Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of TSgt. Miguel Saavedra, Sr.