Carlos Espitia Jr.

Carlos Espitia, Jr.
Essexville, Michigan
Mr. Carlos Espitia, Jr., age 91, went home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus, with his daughters, Lolita and Diana, and caregivers by his side, Monday, April 28, 2025 at his residence. He was born on February 28, 1934 in San Antonio, Texas. At the age of 17, and with the approval of his father, Carlos enlisted in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War. He took great pride in his country and had fond memories serving with his shipmates aboard USS Chevalier DD-805 and USS Iowa BB-61 where he worked in the gun powder room for the 16in. guns. After the war, Carlos made his way to Bay City where he found work at Defoe Shipbuilding. At about the same time he met and fell in love with the former Dolores Nuncio and they were united in marriage on December 1, 1956. Carlos enjoyed working in the construction trade and joined the Laborers Local #1098. He worked on several large construction jobs over the years including Veterans Memorial Bridge, the Karn/Weadock Power Plant, Dow Chemical and the Midland Nuclear Plant. Carlos was a member of In His Presence Ministries and was a life member of the Laborers Local #1098 and the V.F.W. He enjoyed spending time fishing, golfing and traveling. Carlos had a true green thumb and could be found in his yard almost year around tending to his flowers and garden and manicuring his lawn.
Sadly, Carlos' wife, Dolores, passed away on July 27, 2020 and he has greatly missed her since, but his family is comforted by their faith that they are together again. He is survived by his children, Rosa Bailey, Emilia Walraven, Lolita (Chris) Stevens, Diana (Gene) Sprung, Arthuro Espitia and Dawn Doran Espitia; many grandchildren, great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren; five sisters, Carlotta, Estella, Eva, Elida and Dora; a sister-in-law, Linda (Hani) Muallem; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his wife, Carlos was also preceded in death by his father and stepmother, Carlos and Petra Espitia, Sr.; mother, Emilia (Apolinar) Espitia; a son, Carlos Espitia, III; a brother, Tony Espitia; a sister; Mary; and a son-in-law, Howard "Sonny" Bailey.
The family would like to express their sincere appreciation to Carlos' caregivers, Matt and Grace Hernandez and Bonnie Meade, and everyone at McLaren Hospice, for the wonderful care and love they gave not only to Carlos but also his entire family.
The Funeral Service will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, May 8, 2025 at Trahan Funeral Chapel, 256 N. Madison Ave., Bay City, MI 48708, with Pastor Michael Baranek officiating and with music by Pastor Jerry Rohn. Interment will follow at St. Patrick Cemetery with Military Honors conducted by the U.S. Navy and the Bay County Veterans Council. Visiting hours will be at Trahan Funeral Chapel on Tuesday from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m., Wednesday from 2:00 to 8:00 p.m., and Thursday from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. The family suggests donations in Carlos' memory to the Bay Veterans Foundation. Celebrate Carlos' life online by sharing your favorite stories and photos on his dedicated webpage at www.trahanfc.com