Manuel Ortega

He was born on November 22, 1929, in Hidalgo, Texas, to Margarito and Paula Ortega.

From a young age, Manuel’s strong work ethic was evident. As a boy, he worked as a caddy at a golf course, a cook, and even drove a cement truck at just 13 years old. He spent many of his early years working as a migrant farm laborer alongside his family, traveling across the country to do this demanding work. Eventually, Manuel settled in Amarillo to raise his family and began a long and dedicated career as a distributor operator for Gilvin and Terrill Construction Co., where he worked for over 50 years without ever missing a day. He retired at the age of 74. Manuel enjoyed the simple pleasures in life—listening to music, attending bailes on Saturday nights with friends, watching golf on Sundays, going to the flea market, and cheering on professional wrestling. He also loved shooting pool, visiting casinos, and spending time at the Wesley Community Center after retirement. He will be remembered for his sharp sense of style, his gift for storytelling about the “mas antes” days, and his ability to make friends wherever he went.

Manuel is survived by his loving wife, Oralia P. Ortega; his sons, Juan Ortega, Jose Ortega and wife Donna, Paul Ortega and wife Laurie; his daughters, Maria Lair and husband Jon, Alma Lomeli, Rosa Valverde and husband Frank, and Teresa Harris and husband Sam, Nona Briseno and husband Mark, 23 grandchildren, 52 great-grandchildren, and 7 great-great-grandchildren. He is also survived by one brother, Guadalupe Ortega, and one sister, Isabel Ortega.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Gloria Rodriguez; his parents, Margarito and Paula Ortega; his brothers, Jesus Ortega and Francisco Ortega; his sisters, Fela Baez and Mine Rojas; his great-grandson, Izak Lomeli; and his grandson, Salomon Valverde, one son in-law; Raul Lomeli.

Manuel’s legacy of hard work, family devotion, and joyful spirit will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.