Rafael S. Ortiz

Mr. Ortiz served with the U.S Army 5th Armored Division Company D, 34th Tank Battalion during World War II, receiving 5 Bronze Stars among other awards.

He was employed 37 years at American Smelting and Refining Company (Asarco) and served as an Usher at Holy Family Catholic Church for several years.

Rafael leaves behind to cherish his memories, his loving wife of 67 years, Juanita G. Ortiz; his three sons, Rafael Ortiz Jr., Ruben (Ellie) Ortiz and Rey (Elda) Ortiz all of Corpus Christi; 2 daughters, Alicia (Ralph) Cantu of Corpus Christi and Amalia Williams of St. Louis MO.

He is also survived by 11 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents, 5 brothers, 1 sister and a great grandson, Luke Williams.

Family will be receiving friends at Funeraria del Angel Chapel, 549 Cheyenne in Corpus Christi, Texas, Friday, January 13, 2012 from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. with a Holy Rosary at 7:00 that same evening.

Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 14, 2012 at Holy Family Catholic Church, 2509 Nogales St. in Corpus Christi, Texas, with a burial to follow at Rose Hill Memorial Park.

Condolences may be offered at funerariadelangelcheyenne.com