Decoroso Medina Portugal

Port, also affectionately known as “Coco”, was born October 18, 1925 to Jose Jesus and Dolores (Medina) Portugal in Laredo, Texas. After the loss of his father at the age of 11, Port began working to help support the family. He learned at a young age, the value of hard work, and self-sacrifice.

He served in the U.S. Army 778th Bombardment Squadron as a waist gunner, assigned to a B-24 in WWII. Shot down over Hungry and held as a prisoner of war, he was liberated by Patton's Army in 1944.

After returning from the war, he attended the University of Houston and graduated in 3 years. In 1949, Port met and married the first love of his life and favorite dance partner Florence (Flo) Roberta Bradfield. Their partnership and loving marriage would span the next 36 years, until Flo's tragic passing in 1985.

He joined the Crispin Company in 1949. Over the next 40 years, with his close friend and senior partner, Andre Crispin, Port helped guide the Crispin Company on a successful 40 year journey in international trade through the boom and bust times of the post-war Houston economy. During this time, he was Chancellor of Consulate of Belgium, and on the Board of Directors of the Houston World Trade Club.

An avid golfer, in 1957, Port was one of the first members of the legendary Champions Golf Club and remained a charter member for over 50 years. Champions was his home away from home where he forged many friendships on the golf course and at the Gin Rummy table.

He was a devoted family man whose life was guided by the highest values and his humble roots. Many knew his generosity over the years. His Catholic faith sustained him throughout his life.

Port retired from the Crispin Company and in 1986, married his last love and partner in life, his devoted wife, Carol Davis. Together they traveled the world. In his final days, Carol was a pillar of strength and support.

Port was preceded in death by his beloved wife and mother of his children, Florence Portugal; his son, Stephen Portugal; his sister, Luz Maria Ramirez; and his brother, Jose "Joe" Portugal. He is survived by his loving wife, Carol Portugal; and her daughter, Tanya Davis; his 7 children, Dolores Portugal and husband Alan Dawes of Georgetown, Texas, Rick Portugal and his wife, Carolyn of Austin, Texas, Chris Portugal and his wife, Dana of Austin, Texas, Phillip Portugal of Houston, Texas, Theresa DeLaup and her husband Mac DeLaup of Houston, Texas, Mary Catherine Portugal of Austin, Texas and Dr. David Portugal and his wife, Cynthia of Bellaire,Texas; 10 grandchildren, Clayton Portugal, Christopher Portugal, Florence Portugal, Justin Portugal, Brooke Galbincea, Reid Muschalik, Bradley Delaup, Katie Delaup, Sarah Portugal, Ben Portugal and Daniel Portugal; and his sisters, Aurora Rodriguez of Schertz, Texas and Adeleida Garza of Laredo, Texas; as well as many nieces and nephews.

The family wishes to express their deep gratitude to caregivers, Maria Prendergast of TLC Homecare and Jackie and Chuck Gaimari.

Visitation with the family will be held from 5 PM until 9 PM on Monday, August 26, 2013 in the chapel of Brookside Champions, with a Rosary to be recited at 7 PM. Mass of the Resurrection will be held at 1 PM on Tuesday, August 27, 2013 at St. Ignatius Loyola Church, 7810 Cypresswood Drive, Spring, TX 77379. A reception will immediately follow the Mass at Champions Country Club, 13722 Champions Drive, Houston, TX 77069. A graveside inurnment will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that a donation be made to Casa Juan Diego Mission, 4818 Rose St., Houston, Texas, 77007 or a charity of your choice.