FRANK C. URTEAGA

Born in DeRidder, Louisiana, to Maria Bacilia “Bessie” Cruz and Leno Urteaga, he was raised in Houston, Texas, where he grew up in humble circumstances that shaped his determination and sense of responsibility. As the eldest son, he became a steadfast support to his mother, siblings and many extended family members from an early age.

A graduate of Jefferson Davis Senior High School, Frank enlisted in the United States Marine Corps at the age of 17. After briefly attending the University of Texas at Austin, he returned to the Marines, completing officer training and serving honorably in Okinawa, Japan as a Military Police supervisor. He eventually reached the rank of Sergeant. His service instilled in him discipline, leadership, and a lifelong commitment to duty.

Upon his discharge, Frank relocated to California with his family and was employed as a draftsman at Fluor Corporation in Los Angeles. It was there that his technical and mathematical aptitude was recognized and he was encouraged to pursue a degree in engineering. After relocating to Austin Texas, Frank enrolled in the engineering program at University of Texas while working part time at Stan Schuster Engineers and the Austin American Statesman. He completed his studies in 1964 and graduated with a degree of Bachelor of Science in Architectural Engineering.

After graduation, he moved to Houston and worked at Brown & Root as a structural design engineer while fulfilling the State of Texas requirements for his professional engineering license. He later worked as a design engineer at C.E. Lummus Company, S & B Engineering, Stubbs-Overbeck, and Rimkus Consulting Group. Frank’s primary expertise was in the analysis and design of heavy-duty structures and foundations in the petrochemical industry. He later went into private business founding CASPAN Corporation as the Chief Project Engineer and Construction Manager. CASPAN Corporation contributed to major infrastructure and aerospace-related projects, including work associated with NASA. Frank concluded his professional career with BASF Corporation as a Structural Design Engineering Consultant.

Frank was deeply committed to civic engagement and Latino leadership, serving in various roles with LULAC Council 60 and advocating for education as a pathway to opportunity. He was also a Boy Scouts leader, a pilot in his spare time, and an avid runner well into his 90s. He was a devoted man of faith from the time he served as altar boy remaining active in the Catholic Church throughout his life.

He married Paula Rodriguez in 1956, and together they had four children: Cindy, Steve, Paul, and Norma. After their marriage ended, he married Bertha Leandro Rendon, and together they had two more children, Michael and Delores. They remained together until her passing in 2022.

Frank is preceded in death by his wife Bertha; his sisters, Ernestine Gossett and Rosie Garcia; and his brother, Joseph David Urteaga. He is survived by his six children; his former wife; 18 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and 2 great-great-grandchildren.

A man of strength, discipline, and complexity, Frank’s legacy lives on through the generations he inspired. His life was marked by perseverance, achievement, and a deep love for his family. He will be remembered for the values he instilled and the example he set for those who follow. Frank is now at peace and pain free, where he enters eternal life, reunited with this heavenly family and embraced in love.

In Lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to MD Anderson Cancer Center. P.O. Box 4486, Houston, TX 77210-4486 or www.mdanderson.org/gifts or call 713-792-3450. In memory of Frank C. Urteaga, donations can be designated to VD Hospice Fund.