Oscar Esparza

Oscar Esparza was born February 12, 1927 in Fort Worth, Texas to Alejandro and Candelaria Esparza. He passed away at his home in Central High on Saturday, April 13, 2024, at the age of 97.

The family will greet visitors on Tuesday, April 16, between 5:00-7:00 P.M. at Whitt Funeral Home. Funeral services are planned for Wednesday, April 17, at 2:30 P.M, in the Whitt Funeral Home chapel with Pastor Sam Buzzard officiating. Serving as pallbearers are Justin Young, Timothy Kendrick, Seth Lovett, Michael Matthews, JD Moseley, Brayden Falconer, Carl Breesawitz, Dan Eberhart, and Asher Lovett. Interment will follow in the Marlow Cemetery.

Following high school, Oscar joined the US Coast Guard in January 1945. He was honorably discharged on May 8, 1946. During his service time he was a boxer and ship cook. He was a member of the Fort Worth, Texas American Legion Post 369 for over 75 years. After his discharge he worked for the Fort Worth Star Telegram newspaper as a printer.

In 1975, he married Melba Ruth Jones after meeting her at the Carriage House in Fort Worth where he was a bartender. She became his number one hobby. He also worked as a tailor, in the evening ironed clothing, and was a cook. He and Melba opened Oscar's Restaurant, OM Grocery and Creative Flowers at Highway 7 and 7 Mile Road which they operated for 13 years, retiring in the late 1980's. He loved working in the yard. Oscar was the best dad and PaPa in the world and loved his children and grandchildren immensely. He attended all of their athletic sporting activities. Most of all, Oscar loved his God and attended Central Baptist Church every Sunday.

Oscar is survived by his wife of 48 years, Melba; children: Brenda Rayna Esparza-Matthews, Teah Ruth Esparza and fiancé, James Mosley; grandchildren: Ashley Dawn Kendrick and Timothy Kendrick, Shanika and Seth Lovett, Justin Young; and great grandchildren: Brayden Falconer, Madison Kendrick, Lyric Kendrick, Asher Lovett, Zara Lovett, Serene Lovett, Kayla Young, Kelsey Young, Zadriana Young, Velora Young; and son-in-law, Tommy Brown.

He was preceded in death by his parents; children: Brent Eugene Coleman, Debra Denise Brown; brothers: Alexander Esparza, Willie Esparza; and sisters: Josephine Flores, Rita Vargas, Bertha Corrales.

Memorial contributions can be made in Oscar's memory to the American Legion, 355 S. Highway 81, Duncan, OK 73533.

Online condolences can be made at www.whittfh.com.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Oscar Esparza, please visit our floral store.