In Loving Memory of.

Joe Mario Ornelas

Joe Mario Ornelas passed away peacefully on July 1, 2026, at the age of 80, leaving behind a legacy of unwavering faith, strength, and love for his family.

Joe was born on August 30, 1945, in El Paso, TX to his loving parents, Joe S. Ornelas and Josefina Jacquez-Ornelas; and was a loving brother to his sisters Alice Ornelas-Contreras and Cecilia “Betsy” Ornelas-McNeely, and bother-in-law Roberto Garcia, who all precede him in death.

He is survived by his wife Lily Flores, sons Joseph Christopher (Sarah) and Aaron Louis Ornelas, Jonathan (Jennifer) Mendoza, and granddaughter Yasmin D. Ornelas. 

Joe is also survived by his brother Rene N. Ornelas, sister Irma B. Garcia; and brothers-in-law Eduardo Contreras and Phillip McNeely, along with many nieces and nephews who lovingly called him “Uncle Bucky”; and extended family members and friends.

Joe served in the United States Army as a PFC, attended Austin High School and UTEP; and had worked for the City of El Paso, and was a substitute teacher with YISD. 

Joe enjoyed all sports and his favorite teams were the Dallas Cowboys and the Texas Longhorns.

A church service honoring his life will be held Thursday, September 3, 2026; 12:00 noon at Our Lady of Assumption Catholic Church, 4800 Byron St., El Paso, TX  79930; with graveside services to follow at Fort Bliss National Cemetery at 1:30 pm.