Paulino Ortiz

June 22, 1942, is a day that could never be matched—the day Paulino Ortiz was born to Silviano Ortiz and Trinidad Velasquez in Paso de Guayabal, Estado de México. As the stories go, the mold was truly broken with Paulino. He never met a stranger and was a friend to all.

In February of 1964, Paulino married his true love, Josefina (Vasquez) de Ortiz. As a young couple, they followed the crops wherever they were needed, eventually settling in Altus, Oklahoma, where they made a home that was never short of a helping hand, a good meal, or sound advice. Together, they raised four children: Hilda, Nancy, Roberto, and Rosalba. He devoted over 26 years to the Altus Public School District as a groundskeeper. He took pride in caring for the campus, helping create a beautiful and welcoming place where students could learn and flourish.

Paulino was never short on wisdom—whether it was asked for or not. During the 1980s, he helped more than 500 families obtain U.S. permanent residency and citizenship through immigration amnesty. This was far more than a humanitarian act; it was simply Paulino doing what he believed was right. Through his guidance and generosity, generations of families found opportunity and stability.

The Ortiz home was always full. Paulino never turned away someone in need, freely offering the warmth of his home and the tenderness of true friendship. He loved the outdoors and cherished time spent with family. Dancing and singing brought him great joy, and he delighted in sharing that joy with everyone around him. He was also known for his fondness for a cold Mountain Dew and Braum’s French fries dipped in Cookies and Cream ice cream—a simple pleasure that suited his joyful spirit perfectly.

Paulino passed from this life on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, at the age of 83. He lived a life rich in friendship and good deeds. His warm spirit and generous heart will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by many.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Josefina; daughter, Rosalba Ortiz Vasquez; parents, Silviano and Trinidad; daughter-in-law, Argelia Ortiz; brothers, Constantino Ortiz Arce and Cresenciano Perez Velasquez; and sisters, Eulogia Ortiz Arce and Eufrocina Perez Velasquez.

Paulino leaves behind a legacy of kindness, generosity, and unwavering compassion. His life was measured not by what he had, but by how freely he gave—his time, his wisdom, and his heart. Through open doors, shared meals, and steady guidance, Paulino changed lives and strengthened generations. Those who were fortunate enough to know him will carry his lessons forward, honoring him by loving others as he so faithfully did. His legacy will live on in his children, Hilda Ortiz (Humberto Tovar), Nancy Ortiz (Juan Nunez), and Roberto Ortiz; grandchildren, Aidan Cobos, Marcelino Cobos, Jr., Paulino Ortiz, Shayla Cobos (Justin Adrian), Trinidad Baltazar-Ortiz, Brayden Baltazar, and Eden Baltazar; great-grandchildren, Amia Jimenez, Amelia Cobos, Marcelino Cobos, and Lucas Adrian; brother, Zosimo Ortiz; as well as a host of beloved nieces and nephews whom he loved like his own children; and an abundance of friends and a community that experienced Paulino’s generosity.

Public viewing will begin on Sunday, January 11th 1:00 - 5:00 PM, Monday, January 12th 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM, and Tuesday January 13th 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM. A Rosary will be held from 5:30 PM - 6:00 PM on Tuesday - the family will formally greet friends immediately following the Rosary. Services are scheduled for 2:00 PM on Wednesday, January 14th in the Kincannon Memorial Chapel. Burial will immediately follow at the Altus City Cemetery.

***Guests attending the cemetery are kindly asked to line up for the funeral procession under the direction of the attendant. Additional parking is available at Western Sizzlin, north of the funeral home***

The service may be viewed at https://view.oneroomstreaming.com/index.php?data=MTc2ODA3MjUwOTM5NjM2MiZvbmVyb29tLWFkbWluJmNvcHlfbGluaw==. Online memorial tributes and expressions of sympathy may be left for the family at www.kincannonfuneralhome.com 

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Paulino Ortiz, de 83 años, residente de Altus, Oklahoma, falleció el miércoles 7 de enero del 2026. Paulino nunca conoció a un extraño, fue el mejor de los amigos. Vivió una vida plena de amistad y de buenas obras. Su espíritu de convivencia y su corazón generoso serán recordados con cariño y su ausencia será profundamente sentida por muchos.El velorio público se llevará a cabo el domingo 11 de enero de 1:00 p.m. a 5:00 p.m., el lunes 12 de enero de 9:00 a.m. a 8:00 p.m. y el martes 13 de enero de 9:00 a.m. a 5:30 p.m. Se rezará un rosario el martes 13 de 5:30 p.m. a 6:00 p.m. La familia estará disponible inmediatamente después del rosario. Los servicios fúnebres están programados para el miércoles 14 de enero a las 2:00 p.m. en la Capilla localizada en la funeraria Kincannon. El sepelio se llevará a cabo inmediatamente después del funeral en el cementerio de la ciudad de Altus.

Se les pide a quienes asistan al cementerio que se formen en fila para la procesión fúnebre que será guiada por el personal. Hay estacionamiento adicional disponible en Western Sizzlin, al norte de la funeraria.Se pueden dejar mensajes de condolencia y homenajes en línea para la familia en www.kincannonfuneralhome.com.