Juan "Johnny" Ortega Jr.

Juan "Johnny" Ortega, Jr., 23, died Monday, February 21, 2011. Services will be at 1:30pm, Friday, February 25, 2011 at St. Vincent Pallotti Catholic Church with burial to follow in the Texas State Veterans Cemetery. A visitation will be from 6-8pm Thursday evening with a Prayer Service at 7:00pm at Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home, 5701 Hwy 277 South.

Johnny was undoubtedly a brave soldier and son, although his mother and many others knew him as so much more. His parents describe Johnny as a wonderful, fun loving and hard working man. Johnny loved his parents, brothers, sister, nieces and sister-in-law dearly. He will forever be an irreplaceable brother to Javier, Bocho and Gabby. Johnny was so full of life and easily made lifelong friends. His mother describes his contagious, beautiful smile that easily lit up every room he entered, as all who knew Johnny would also agree. He will forever live in our hearts and his memory will live on through us forever.

Johnny was an active duty soldier of the U.S. Army from 2007-2011. He graduated from basic training in Ft. Lennonwood, Missouri in May of 2007. He spent four years stationed at Ft. Benning, GA. During these years, he bravely served our country. Johnny survived two tours in Iraq and accomplished many honorable achievements in which he received awards such as: two Army Commendation Medals, one Army Achievement Medal, one National Defense Service Medal, one Iraq Campaign Medal, one Global War On Terrorism Service Medal, one Army Service Ribbon, and one Driver and Mechanic Badge with Driver Wheeled Vehicles. He had recently re-enlisted for another four years and was currently stationed at Ft. Hood.

The Broken Chain (author unknown)

We knew little that morning, that God was going to call your name. In life we loved you dearly. In death we do the same. It broke our hearts to lose you, you did not go alone; for part of us went with you, the day God called you home….

He is preceded in death by both of his grandfathers, Carlos Ortega Jr. and Jesus Reyna; and his grandmother Juanita Ortega.

Survivors include his parents, Juan G. Ortega, Sr. and Mary Lou of Abilene; his brothers, Javier Ortega and wife Amanda of Abilene and Ambrosia Flores III; his sister, Gabby Ortega of Abilene; his grandmother, Louisa Reyna; his nieces, Anastasia, Liliana, and Breeana; and numerous aunts and uncles.

We would like to thank our friends at Kinder Heart Home Health and Peerless Manufacturer for their support and also thanks to our family and friends for all of their thoughts and prayers. It means so much to our family.

You may view and sign the guestbook at www.elliotthamilfuneralhome.com