Oscar Avila

Oscar Avila of Marshall, formerly of Battle Creek, went home to be with our Lord on Wednesday, January 17, 2018. He was preceded by his beloved wife Bertha, of 51 years, his daughter Christine and granddaughter Amy. He is survived by his children: Andy Avila (Judi), Kathie Boyer (Rick), Patty Daws (Don), Yolanda Glidden (Bruce), Jon Avila (Heather), Vivian Avila (Dean Crawford) and Christine Olguin (Steve). Oscar was a beloved grandfather to Aaron (Kecia), Andrea (Jason), Daniel, Liz, Heather (Richard), Meghan (Zachery), Stacey (Dylan), Edward, Christina, Makayla, Jordan, Zachary, Jada; and great-grandfather to Ciara, JoLee, Eden, Liam, Willow, Brayden, Zuzu, Stella and Norah.

Oscar was born in Crystal City, Texas on August 9, 1930. He was an Army veteran serving in the Korean War who moved his family to Michigan in 1976. Oscar was a hard worker and enjoyed helping people. He retired from the federal government with the Air Force Defense Logistics Branch (32 years), the state of Michigan (social worker and translator) and the BCPS (bilingual liaison and tutor). His heart was always set on giving back to his community and he expected nothing in return. Oscar received the 1995 Michigan Outstanding Hispanic Advocate of the Year Award.

He had a love for fishing, Tiger baseball (watching reruns) and gardening. He received a Marshall Gardening Award in 2017 and the Beautiful Yard of Battle Creek award in 2010.

A devout Catholic, he was a former devoted member of St. Philip and St. Joseph Parish, and attended St. John in Albion after relocating to Marshall. He served as a deacon, lector and administered the Eucharist to the homebound.

Visitation will be at the Richard A. Henry Funeral Home on Monday, January 22, 2018 from 5:00 to 8:00 pm with Rosary at 7:00 pm. Funeral services will be held at the Funeral Home on Tuesday, January 23, 2018 at 1:00 pm, followed by interment at Oakridge Cemetery in Marshall with military honors. www.henryfuneralhome.org