JOSE L. ORTIZ "God Saw You Getting Tired" God Saw You Getting Tired And A Cure was not to be So he put his arms around you And whispered, "Come to Me" With tearful eyes we watched you and saw you pass away and although we love you dearly we could not make you stay A golden heart stopped beating Hard working hands at rest God broke our hearts to prove to us He only takes the best Jose (Joe) Luis Ortiz, 86, passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 7, 2015 at home surrounded by his loving family. Joe was born on June 26, 1929 in Chicago, Illinois. He graduated from Washington High School in 1948 in East Chicago, Indiana. On March 15, 1952, he married the love of his life, former Rita Rodriguez in Crown Point, Indiana. In 1953 he relocated to Laredo, Texas. Joe was employed as a mailman with the U.S Postal Service, and was awarded "Mailman of the Year" in 1964. He enjoyed his work and after walking thousands of miles to deliver his mail he retired in 1998 with 35 years of service. Amongst his many attainments to the community were: He was an activist in the war against Poverty, he was among the thousands who marched with Cesar Chavez in the 70's in Washington D.C., Joe was the first Director of Catholic Social Services with the Diocese of Corpus Christi, he served as Director to the Red Cross Local Chapter in Laredo. Joe also served as a Committee Member in San Luis Rey Church, San Martin de Porres Church and Saint Patrick Church, but he is most remembered for his contribution in the Choir where he played and sang for many years in above respected Churches. Joe could be found at home either playing the piano, reading, watching TV or walking his dog down Saunders St. He was a loving and humble man who lived life by his merits of: Love, Trust and Faith. He is preceded in death by his Mother, Charlotte Lara Vigil. Granddaughters, Maria Guadalupe Ortiz, Gabriela Pena. Grandson, Fabian F. Ortiz Jr. Great-grandson, Master Felipe Adrian Reyes and Master James Medina III. Joe is survived by his loving wife of 63 years Rita Ortiz. 6 Daughters and 5 Sons, Diana Ortiz, Mary Pat Ortiz, Teresa (Jesus) Padilla, Jose R. (Maria) Ortiz, Raquel Pena, Juan G. Ortiz,Fabian F. (Delfina) Ortiz, Carmela Ortiz, Luis V. (Ruby) Ortiz, Anselmo G. (Leticia) Ortiz, Michelle Ortiz Ortega and Stepbrother, Robert Vigil. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, November 10, 2015 from 4 to 9 p.m. in the Hernandez-Lopez and Sons East Chapel, 4500 Thomas Ave. Funeral services for Joe will be at San Martin De Porres Catholic Church on Wednesday, November 11, 2015 at 9 a.m. He will be laid to rest at the Calvary Catholic Cemetery.