Fred Espinosa

Fred Espinosa, 82, of Ottawa, Kansas, died Saturday, March 29, 2014, at Olathe Medical Center.     Cremation is planned.  A memorial service will be held at Dengel & Son Mortuary, 10:00 A.M., Tuesday, April 8, 2014.  Military honors by United States Air Force Honor Guard.  Family will meet with friends following the service.   Fred was born on Wednesday, February 10, 1932 in Ottawa, the son of Bicente and Mary (Godinez) Espinosa. He has been a lifelong resident of Ottawa.   Fred graduated from Ottawa High School with the class of 1952 and Washburn University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business.   In the 1960’s Fred was united in marriage with Dorothy Spriggs.  They were later divorced.  In 2013 he was united in marriage with Mary Crable in Ottawa, Kansas.  She survives of the home.   Survivors also include his son, Brian Espinosa and his wife, Michelle of Ottawa; stepson, Terry Ratliff of Ottawa, three grandsons, Tyler, Christopher, and Vincent Espinosa all of Ottawa; step-grandson, Tyler Ratliff of Ottawa; two sisters, Sara Gobea of Ottawa, and Delores Herbert of Dodge City, Kansas.   Fred’s brother, William Espinosa passed away on April 1, 2014, two days following Fred’s passing.  He was preceded in death by his parents; adopted daughter, Tina Espinosa; two brothers, Percy and Jimmy Soraino; and sister, Juanita Ramirez. He worked thirty-three years as a police officer for the City of Ottawa, retiring on March 15, 1994. He also served as Assistant Chief of Police in Ottawa.   Fred served in the United States Air Force from June 9, 1952 until June 1956, serving with the 96th Air Police Squadron and attaining the rank of Airman First Class.  He received the National Defense Service Medal, Korean Service Medal, UN Service Medal and the Good Conduct Medal.   He was a member of First Baptist Church and Veterans of Foreign Wars, Memorial Post #5901, both in Ottawa.  The family suggests memorial contributions to American Diabetes Association c/o Dengel & Son Mortuary, 235 S. Hickory, Ottawa, Kansas 66067.  An online Guest Book is available at www.dengelmortuary.com.