Ralph Robert Orlando

 Ralph Robert Orlando was born on January 23, 1947 to his mother, Louvell Maxine Nutter, in the Pennsylvania country. He grew up in New York, the oldest of six boys, where he recounts that he and his next oldest brother, Omar, were thick as thieves, often taking each other’s punishments and always having each other’s backs. His love for dogs has been a constant in his life, even from a young boy where his mother sometimes found him sleeping outdoors with the family pets. At 19 he became a combat marine and fought alongside his comrades from 1966-1969 in many deadly encounters. He often said that he did not think he would make it out of Vietnam, but by his fortitude and God’s will, he was a recipient of a purple heart and multiple air medals with valor. His missions, experiences, and achievements would take many pages to list, so, to say it succinctly, he was truly a real-life hero. 

 Returning home he attended the University of Utah, receiving a bachelor’s degree in wildlife science while hunting, fishing, and trapping the land there. He later became a United States Border Patrol Agent before joining Temple Fire & Rescue in 1980, specializing in cave and cavern rescue. He consistently held himself to high standards, spending hours studying and working to add different certifications to his skillset. He was a Master Firefighter, Arson Investigator, Fire Service Instructor, and a licensed Paramedic and Peace Officer. While the marine corp was his first and forever brotherhood, the men of the fire department became his combat brothers, and he took his job of protecting and fighting by their side with upmost gravity and loyalty. After retirement in 2006 he served as Assistant Fire Chief for Morgan’s Point as well as a reserve officer for the police department. Ralph served faithfully and with integrity for over 40 years, saving many lives, delivering over 20 babies, teaching many classes, providing counsel and consultation to many, and expecting nothing less than the best performance out of himself and all those who served with and under him. 

 A strong work ethic was extremely important to him, and if he was not on the job, he was building fence, doing rock work, or clearing brush around his home and property. He also excelled in martial arts, obtaining a 3rd degree black belt. His only down time was spent hunting deer and turkey in San Saba—something he truly enjoyed. He shared wonderful memories of times spent around the deer lease campfire with his buddies, having drinks and telling stories. In his last years, Ralph lived alone with his beloved dog, Marlin, and later his “best friend,” his blue-heeler, Cowboy. Ralph is preceded in death by his mother and survived by his son, Jason Orlando, daughter and son-in-law, Jennifer and Lance Walch, granddaughters, Autry Orlando, Kelsey Ashcraft, Logan Orlando, and Maggie Walch, and grandson, Sam Walch, as well as his five brothers. His much-repeated marine corp motto, “Semper Fi,” reminded others to be “always faithful,” and in his last weeks he would write down and often say, “believe in the Father.” He was always a warrior here in heart and mind and strength, and now he has gained the ultimate victory. 

Romans 8:37 

“In all things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels or demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”