John S. Esparza, 68, 400 E. Warren St. Lot 5, Celina, and formerly of Portland, Ind., resident, died Feb. 23, 2010 at Mercer County Community Hospital, Coldwater.

He was born May 23, 1941, in Laredo, Texas, to Silvestre and Magdalena Torres Esparza. In 1964, he married Edna Hinshaw, who died in 1969. On Jan. 22, 1972, he married Lois Theurer, who survives.

Other survivors are a son, Kevin Esparza, Indianapolis, Ind.; a daughter, Kim (Brian) Hebble, Celina; two stepdaughters, Sherri (Steve) Heileman, Franklin, Tenn.; Kristin (Justin) Vargas, Springhill, Tenn.; three brothers, Benito Esparza, Pennville, Ind..2 and David Esparza and Reuben Vela, both of Portland, Ind.; eight sisters, Margarita (David) Vazquez, Beatrice (John) Riojas, Jane (Isabel) Costillo, Irma (George) Drumm and Alisia (Randy) Crouse, all of Portland, Ind.; Mary (Pat) Martinez, Redkey, Ind., and Yolanda (Jose) Nunez and Josephine (Rick) Norman, all of Decatur, Ind.;12 grandchildren and a great-grandchild.

Deceased is a sister, Minerva Tingley.

Services are 10 a.m. Friday, at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Portland, the Rev. Robert Moran officiating. Burial is at Green Park Cemetery, Portland.

Calling is 3-8 p.m. Thursday at Baird-Freeman Funeral Home, Portland.

Contributions can be made to Jay County Cancer Society, Jay County Heart Fund, Diabetes Association or the church.

Condolences can be made at www.bairdfreeman.com.