Manuel Ornelas

Manuel Ornelas, formerly of Casselberry, FL passed away on Wednesday, August 27, 2014 from natural causes. Manuel is survived by his loving wife Gladys Firpi Ornelas, sister Emma Davalos, his children Dr. Linda (Frank) Wilson, Tom Ornelas, John (Terri) Ornelas, David (Sue) Ornelas and Kesh (Randy) Sorensen. He also was the dear “abuelo” to grandchildren Josh (Angela) Wilson, Jordan (Marshall) Preddy, Jess Wilson, Jonas Wilson, Shamus (Christina) Ornelas, Mari (David) Jones, Shane Ornelas, Rachelle Ornelas, Queli Ornelas, Dustin Ornelas, David Ornelas, Daisy Ornelas, Ryan (Jenn) Ornelas and Michael Ornelas. Born in El Paso, TX in 1920 and the son of Juan and Santos Quintana Ornelas, Manuel was a star high school and college athlete at Austin High School and Texas Western (UTEP) both located in El Paso, TX. He was an original member of the Texas National Guard and advanced to the rank of Captain in the US Army-Infantry Unit Commander of the 10th Armored Infantry Batallion-4th Armored Division. Manuel served and led engagements in the Second World War including campaigns in Normandy, Ardennes and Central Europe. A true American hero, he earned the EAME Campaign Medal with 5 Battle Stars, a Purple Heart with two clusters, the Combat Infantry Badge, the American Campaign Medal, the WW II Victory Medal and the Bronze Star. Despite being a wounded warrior, Manuel was the epitome of courage and strength and never understood the term “disabled veteran”. He was very active in the community serving as a Director at Goodwill, Commissioner of Pop Warner Football, and a Director of MAPA and LULAC in Phoenix, AZ and Chicago, IL. Manuel and Gladys retired near Luquillo, PR for 6 years, moving to Casselberry, FL for the past 34 years and most recently relocating to Bastrop, TX to be closer to family. He remained active and engaging until his last day often spending hours on Facebook, Skype and “surfing the web” and had countless people that called him friend from around the world. Most of all he was a loving husband and his world revolved around his wife and true love, Gladys. There was not a day that started or ended without a kiss and a heart-felt I love you! There will be a private memorial service on Saturday, August 30th at 10:00 a.m. in Bastrop, TX and he will be laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, VA.