L/CPL Erasmo Ortiz USMC (Ret), Purple Heart Recipient 

Erasmo Ortiz was born on June 23, 1946 in Corpus Christ, Texas to Antonio and Refugia De Alejandro Ortiz.  Following high school in Corpus Christi, Erasmo moved to Houston, Texas where he would later meet Apolonia. In 1968 they married. Shortly after, Erasmo joined the United States Marines Corps. during the Vietnam War. He received a Purple Heart Medal, amongst other honorable mentions. Upon returning home from his service, he and Apolonia began their family life. Erasmo held a long-standing employment career with Wallace Company and Sunbelt Supply Company, where he recently retired.

Erasmo was a member of the following organizations and enjoyed the brotherhood of his fellow comrades: Semper Fi Honor Detail # 3, Marine Corps. League, American GI Forum, Disabled American Veterans (DAV), League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), and Devil Dogs. He also enjoyed attending social events with Apolonia and with the members and spouses of those organizations. He loved spending quality time with his wife, children, and growing grandchildren. Erasmo also enjoyed mentoring and sharing military stories with the young adults of the community and to anyone who was interested. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who knew and loved him. He will remain Forever in our Hearts.

Erasmo is preceded in death by his parents Antonio and Refugia Ortiz; brothers Antonio, Hiram, Humberto, Horacio, and Salvador Ortiz. He is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Apolonia; son Joe Alexander Ortiz and wife Christina; daughter Beatrice Litaker and husband Michael; daughter Sonia Ysaquirre and husband Joe; daughter Jennifer Rios and husband Orlando; son Ernest Ortiz; grandchildren Jaclyn, Nathan, Rebeca, Irene, Sabrina, Ashley, Ernest, Vincent, Dylan, Damian, John Michael, Iyana, Emma, Mary, Summer, and Easton; great grandchildren Nolan, Milas and Madden; brother Oscar A. Ortiz and wife Esperanza; sister Guadalupe Solis and husband Joe John; and numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, February 11, 2021 from 4:00 – 7:00 pm; Rosary at 5:30 pm; at American Heritage Funeral Home, 10710 Veterans Memorial Drive, Houston, TX 77038. (Flowers may be delivered on this date and location only or you may contact the family for alternative arrangements)

A funeral mass will be held on Friday, February 12, 2021 at 9:30 a.m. at the Co-Cathedral Of The Sacred Heart, 1111 St. Joseph Parkway, Houston, TX 77002.

Committal Service to follow at 12:30 pm at the Houston National Cemetery, 10410 Veterans Memorial Drive, Houston, TX 77038.

Our sincerest condolences to the family of  L/Cpl Erasmo Ortiz, USMC (Ret)