Louis O. Romo Honored with Military Banner

The late Louis O. Romo was honored by his very large family, friends, and City of Colton for his service in the U.S. Navy during World War II. Romo, who passed away on Dec. 3, 1999, was born in Arizona, Romo entered the United States Navy in June of 1945 and served for a little under a year. He served in the 23rd US Navy CB and was discharged in May of 1946 when World War II came to an end. According to Romo’s daughter-in-law Patricia, Romo met his wife Rachel Cortez while he was on leave. After his service, they both moved to Colton and he went to school to study math. “He was a very smart man,” she added. Romo and his wife Rachel had five children: Della, Louie, Cynthia, Rosella “Baba” and Yolanda “Mona” Romo. Unfortunately, Della passed away. He then worked for Norton Air Force Base and then Rockwell International in Anaheim in Air Force Quality Control, where he eventually retired from. Romo and his wife also owned a restaurant that many Colton community members are familiar with: Dell’s Drive In on La Cadena Drive. It’s been their family business for over 40 years, according to Patricia, and today is owned by Louis Romo, Jr. Romo’s great grandkids Thomas and Joanna Holguine originally thought of the idea to hang a military banner in Louis Sr.'s honor. The idea blossomed when they got Patricia and her daughter Michelle involved. “We were able to install his banner right across the street, in front of his business,” she added. “The day of the installation ceremony was also the day of his birthday, May 18.. he would’ve been 88 years old.” “Everyone was there to support him.. it was an emotional day,” Patricia shared. After the ceremony, the whole family headed over to Dell’s to celebrate and reminisce Romo’s profound life.