Louis C. Ortega

He was born to Henry and Gladys Ortega, and he grew up on the south side of San Antonio. After graduating from Burbank High School, he attended St. Mary’s University on a four-year academic scholarship. He then completed his master’s degree in education from Our Lady of the Lake University.

On January 18, 1964, Louis married his college sweetheart, Sylvia Garcia. Together they had two sons: David Louis Ortega and Stephen Christopher Ortega. In 1973, he moved the family to Sagamihara, Japan where he taught music to students at Tachikawa Air Force base. After his time teaching in Japan, he brought the family back to the United States where he continued his gift of teaching music to students at Rhodes Middle School. The band won All City three years in a row. His love of teaching led to a career in school administration at Fox Tech High School, and then Thomas Jefferson High School. Louis was often stopped in public by former students who expressed gratitude for the life-changing impact he had on their lives. Even though teaching music at the Middle and High School levels was his passion and a very fulfilling career, he soon realized that another means of earning a living would be necessary to maintain a lifestyle that would be beneficial for his wife and sons. He began spending countless hours driving through westside neighborhoods looking for real estate investments. He continued doing this for many years which led to several successful investments. Along with this success came a few unfortunate run-ins with “not so friendly” neighborhood dogs.

Louis’ life forever changed when he accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior in 1985. This personal relationship with Jesus led him into ministry where he continued impacting others as a pastor. The Lord led him to purchase his first church building on the corner of Zarzamora and Durango streets. He served as pastor at this location for 10 years. He then purchased another building on Buena Vista and Brazos and served as pastor for another 12 years. The ministry was a blessed and beautiful experience while teaching and nourishing the dreams of others.

He is survived by his wife, two sons, and three grandchildren: Olivia (Grant), Isabela and Evan.