Orlando was a great guy. I first met him at South Jr. High. He was a really fun guy in our PE class which included personalities like Lee Taylor, John Russell, Pete Garton, Cecil Thrower, Ernest Buckham and Dickie Davis. If there was anyone who could stop a fight between a group of Mexicans (Spanish Americans) and Gringo's, it was Orlando. I do not think I ever heard an angry word come out of his mouth.
As we were dragging Main Street in his blue 62 or 64 Chevy, he would have us put down our beers and pay proper respect every time we passed St. Peter's. I never saw Orlando after high school but as I recall hearing from others, he was career military (Navy). After retirement, he returned to Roswell where he became a house painter. I recall Mike Stephens telling me the good quality of work Orlando did on the homes Mike was contractor for. Then it happened. Apparently some relative of his (cousin, uncle?) was drinking and they got into a fight and he stabbed Orlando to death. A sad end for such a noble person. May this defender of our freedoms receive all his rewards in Heaven. God bless you for the life you lived, Orlando.
The 'Big O " was a great basketball player in junior high and I so much enjoyed playing basketball with him, our pick-up games and fun afterwards.. He was always so much fun and so positive. I lost track of him aftrer high school but so much just now enjoyed reading Jim White's comments about his later life. I can certainly believe it as he was a true friend and very loyal and honorable person. Bill Warner
James A "Jim" White
Orlando was a great guy. I first met him at South Jr. High. He was a really fun guy in our PE class which included personalities like Lee Taylor, John Russell, Pete Garton, Cecil Thrower, Ernest Buckham and Dickie Davis. If there was anyone who could stop a fight between a group of Mexicans (Spanish Americans) and Gringo's, it was Orlando. I do not think I ever heard an angry word come out of his mouth.
As we were dragging Main Street in his blue 62 or 64 Chevy, he would have us put down our beers and pay proper respect every time we passed St. Peter's. I never saw Orlando after high school but as I recall hearing from others, he was career military (Navy). After retirement, he returned to Roswell where he became a house painter. I recall Mike Stephens telling me the good quality of work Orlando did on the homes Mike was contractor for. Then it happened. Apparently some relative of his (cousin, uncle?) was drinking and they got into a fight and he stabbed Orlando to death. A sad end for such a noble person. May this defender of our freedoms receive all his rewards in Heaven. God bless you for the life you lived, Orlando.
William "Bill" Warner
The 'Big O " was a great basketball player in junior high and I so much enjoyed playing basketball with him, our pick-up games and fun afterwards.. He was always so much fun and so positive. I lost track of him aftrer high school but so much just now enjoyed reading Jim White's comments about his later life. I can certainly believe it as he was a true friend and very loyal and honorable person. Bill Warner