Colonel Carlos Urrutia II, U.S. Army Air Corps, was born on August 29, 1925 in San Antonio, TX. The son of the late Mr. & Mrs. Herbert Cook and the grandson of the late Dr. & Mrs. Aureliano Urrutia passed away peacefully on June 11, 2017 surrounded by his loving family.

Carlos Urrutia II was a remarkable and honorable man who had two passions in life; his wife of almost 60 years Yolanda, and flying the most powerful fighter planes of his day. Carlos joined the U.S. Army Air Corps on September 4, 1943, 6 days after his 17th birthday.  Carlos flew the P51D Mustang in WWII, and survived being shot down behind enemy lines. Among his many awards and medals, Col. Urrutia II received the prestigious Distinguished Flying Cross for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in an aerial flight.  Following WW II, Carlos attended Texas A&M University and graduated in 1950 with a degree in Geology and Geophysics.  After graduation, Carlos was recalled to duty by the United States Air Force and flew F-80 and F-86 fighter jets in the Korean Conflict, again surviving behind enemy lines.  After returning home, Carlos worked for forty years as a geologist/geophysicist and as a Manager and Vice President for Geophysical Services Inc. and later Halliburton.  His career sent him on assignment to over 100 countries across the globe.

Carlos lived a full and fulfilling life. He loved family gatherings and celebrations, shared a wonderful sense of humor, and enjoyed many hobbies including gardening, working on anything mechanical, and cheering on his Aggies in his beloved blue jeans and Texas A&M t-shirt. He will be greatly missed, but his memory and honor will live on forever.

Carlos is survived by his wife Yolanda Urrutia. He is also survived by his children, Carlos Urrutia III, Ana Maria O'Neal, Diana & David Grace, Albert Urrutia, Sandra & Travis Sales and Patty Urrutia, and by his grandchildren Heather & Ryan Davis, Cristina O'Neal, Elizabeth O'Neal, Caroline Grace, Andrew Urrutia, Allison Urrutia, Katie & Brad Kirbo, Emily Sales and James Sales.  Col. Urrutia II is also survived by his great grandchildren Blythe Davis, Carson O'Neal and Jonnie Marie O'Neal.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, June 23, 2017 at 11:00am in the Lady Chapel at St. Ignatius Loyola Catholic Church, 7810 Cypresswood Drive, Spring, TX  77379, with a reception immediately following at the church in McGivney Hall.  Entombment will follow at 1:45pm at the Houston National Cemetery located at 10410 Veterans Memorial Drive, Houston, TX  77038.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Col. Carlos Urrutia II to The Wounded Warriors Project.