Col. Pastor B. Ramos

Col. Pastor B. Ramos Sr. was born August 9, 1910, in Pangasinan, Philippines. He leaves behind 98 years of legacy. Coming from a rural area in the Philippines, his mind was already set in making himself the best that can be. Starting at a very young age, he proved to his parents that hard work and dreaming big allowed great achievements despite any obstacles. His determination in pursuing higher education was also unstoppable. As a child, Pastor would sell vegetables and fish at the local markets as a form of income. This supported his requirements for school materials. Once he finished his Secondary schooling, he left home for the University in Manila where he worked as an office assistant and was provided an education, and would shine shoes to sustain him.
Upon earning his degree he received a commission in the Armed Forces of the Philippines as they were preparing for World War II. Once he entered the services, he was transferred to the US Army Forces Far East where he served with the 31st Infantry. During this time he was captured. He became one of thousands of prisoners of war during the Bataan Death March which he was able to escape before being re-captured. After the war was over, he chose to continue serving his country as a Camp Commander at various camps throughout the Philippines among them as Service Group Commander Philippine Military Academy. He finished his career in 1965 at Camp Aguinaldo, although, retirement was not an option.
Purchasing several hundred acres of land, he began farming rice in Almaguer Nueve Visacaya, Philippines. In 1984, he decided to move his family from the Philippines to the United States. Finally, he settled in Gulfport where he chose to continue working. He spent many hours a week doing various tasks at the American Legion Post 119 until 1996 when he finally decided to retire.
Col. Pastor B. Ramos always provided for his family and instilled wisdom in all. Living by the mottos, aÌ‚â‚Å“trials, hardships, and obstacles are always a part of life,â₝ and aÌ‚â‚Å“what does not kill you, will only make you strongerâ₝. Education was always a must for him. He was the ultimate provider that taught his children to pursue what is good. With a mighty sword he provided. With a golden heart, he loved. The smile on his face will live forever.
Col. Ramos is survived by his wife, Elenita; 9 children; 35 grandchildren, and numerous great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by one son, Eriberto Ramos and 3 grandchildren Patrick Ramos, Marissa Ramos Peralta, and Elena Ramos Robinson.
The Mass of Christian Burial will be at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, November 29, 2008, at St. John Catholic Church, Gulfport (no visitation on Saturday). On Sunday, November 30, 2008, family and friends are invited to come and share their memories with one another from 9:00 a.m. until 12'Noon at the Riemann Family Funeral Home, 274 Beauvoir Road, Biloxi. Visitation will resume on Monday, December 1, 2008, from 1:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. in the funeral home chapel. The funeral procession will leave at 2:10 p.m. to go to Biloxi National Cemetery for the 2:30 p.m. graveside service with military honors. For more information, please call (228)388-9516