Ramon Ortega Gonzales

Born January 12, 1930, passed away peacefully at his home in Red Oak, TX, on January 7, 2018, with his family by his side. He is survived by his daughter Mercedes and husband Joe Garcia; son, Ramon and wife Elsa Gonzales; 5 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren. Visitation will be from 6-8pm on Thursday, January 11, 2018. Funeral Service will be at 10am on Friday, January 12, 2018. Both services will be held at Laurel Land Funeral Home, 6000 South R.L. Thornton Freeway, Dallas, TX 75232. Ramon was preceded in death by his brothers, Roberto Ortega Gallegos, Jose Felipe Reyes and Valentine Gallegos; and sisters Fabiana Reyes, Francisca Jaquez, Suse Gallegos, Teresa Soto and Concha Nervaiz. Born in Barnhart, TX, Ramon worked from an early age helping to support his parents Francisco Gonzales and Paula Ortega Gonzales. After graduating from Ozona High School, Ramon attended Sam Houston State Teachers College in Huntsville, TX from September 1949 until May 1950. In 1951, Ramon served his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean War and was awarded the Korean Service Medal with a Bronze Star, a UN Service Medal, and an Over Seas Bar. Once discharged, Ramon returned to Texas and attended barber school in Dallas. While in Dallas, Ramon met and married his best friend Eva Ruiz Gonzales. They married in 1954 and had 56 wonderful years together as husband and wife. Ramon started barbering in 1953 and eventually owned his first Barbershop in East Oak Cliff on South Lancaster Road. In 1970, he purchased another barbershop and moved his business to 355 W. Jefferson Blvd. in West Oak Cliff. He remained at this location for over 40 years serving generations of customers. While he cut hair he loved to drink coffee and whistle or sing his favorite hymns. He never said a bad word about anyone. Customers sought his counsel, and he freely shared his faith. Ramon was a very generous man. He was always willing to help the community, and those who could not afford to pay for their haircuts. Even after working long hours he would make trips to home bound customers to cut their hair. Ramon served as church treasurer for 22 years at Primera Iglesia Bautista. He was ordained a Deacon on May 31, 1964 and served the church for many years. He will be missed by many who called him daddy, pepaw, peeps, hermano and friend.