SMSgt Osvaldo Ortiz, age 86, passed away on February 10, 2021 at his home in Pearland, Texas. Osvaldo was a decorated war veteran who served in the Koren War where he was awarded a Korean Service Medal, Korean Defense Service Medal, UN Service Medal, Nataional Defense Medal, and a Good Conduct Medal. His most distinguished achievement he stated was being awarded the Bronze Star. He retired after serving 20 years in the United States Air Force.
Osvaldo was born in Laredo, Texas on May 6, 1934 to Jesse Saldana Ortiz & Maria del Refugio Canales Ortiz. Osvaldo graduated early from Martin High School in 1952 at the age of 17 and went straight into the USAF. He was stationed out of Kelly AFB during his first tour in the military, but did extensive training at Laredo AFB. While there he met and fell in love with Rosa Maria Ayala, who he soon married in September 1955. They welcomed 5 wonderful children who they loved so much. The family went were the Air Force sent them; they were stationed all over the US but the one he spoke of often was when they were stationed in Wichita Falls, Texas at Sheppard AFB. He made many lifelong friends there that he held dear to his heart. After serving 20 years Osvaldo and Rosa decided to settle down and plant roots in Houston, Texas.
After moving to Houston, Osvaldo started working at The Methodist Hospital in the Accounting Dept. He worked there for 10 years until he retired again in 1982.
After his 2nd retirement he couldn’t just sit at home so he started his own 1 man mowing company. When he wasn’t working, he was “tinkering” in his house or in his shed. He loved to BBQ on Sundays for his children and grand children. He loved spending time with his children, grand children, and great grand children. He was loved and became known as “Papoo” to his grand children and great grand children, to which he carried the name proudly. He truly was the “Worlds Greatest Papoo!”
Osvaldo was preceded in death by his wife Rosa Maria Ortiz, son Osvaldo Rene Ortiz, parents Jesse & Maria Ortiz, sister & brother in law Olga & Felipe Verastegui, and Brother & sister in law Hector & Betty Ortiz. He is survived by his Son Robert Ortiz, Son David Ortiz, Daughter Sylvia Lynds & husband Robert, Daughter Diana Johnson & husband James, Grand daughter Jennifer Medina & husband Sergio, Grand Daughter Natalie Diaz & husband Josh Delgado, Grandson Jonathan Ortiz, Grand Daughter Brittany Ortiz, Grandson Wesley Houston & wife Erin, Grand Daughter Adrianna Diaz, Grand Daughter Haylie Elliot & husband John. He also leaves in love 11 Great Grand Children with 1 on the way.
The family requests flowers to be sent to Forest Park Funeral Home Lawndale. Viewing for Osvaldo will be held on February 25, 2021. Family viewing is 4pm -5pm followed by Public viewing from 5pm- 9pm. Mass will be held on February 26, 2021 at 9am with burial to follow at 10am.
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