Enrique L. Ornelas

Enrique Leal Ornelas Jr., 87, passed away peacefully on December 14, 2025, in Harlingen, Texas. Born on April 16, 1938, in San Benito, Texas, he was the son of Enrique Ornelas Sr. and Adela Leal Ornelas.

Enrique received 10 years of formal education and proudly served his country as a Private (E-2) in the United States Army. He dedicated much of his life to the community as the owner of La Especial Bakery in San Benito. A devoted member of St. Benedict Catholic Church in San Benito, Enrique found joy in playing slot machines, pool, and watching football.

He is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Elena Sanchez Ornelas; his children, Mauricio Enrique Ornelas and Miguel Angel Ornelas; his father, Enrique Ornelas Sr.; his mother, Adela Leal Ornelas; and his siblings, Maria Ninfa Ornelas Saldivar, Jose Juan Ornelas, Mary Lou Ornelas Starr, Hortencia Ornelas Sanchez, Roberto Ornelas, and Manuela Ornelas.

Enrique is survived by his children, Marta Elena Ornelas, Martin Ornelas (Alma), and Moses Luis Ornelas; his cherished grandchildren, Ashley Reneã Ornelas, April Destiny Ornelas, Miranda Angelica Ornelas, Adela Rosalva Ornelas, Nelson Xavier McBrian, Marcus Joel Ornelas, Katherine Rose McBrian, Mikayla Angel Ornelas, Miguel Angel Ornelas Jr., Eka Isaac Ornelas, Carlos Alberto Panola, Kassandra Ruby Panola, Jose Panola Jr; and his siblings, Benito Ornelas, San Juana Ornelas, and Jesus Manuel Ornelas.

The Ornelas family expresses heartfelt gratitude to Alma Ornelas, his caregiver Julian Roa, and the staff, doctors, and nurses at Valley Baptist Medical Center for their compassionate care.

The Ornelas family will receive friends and relatives on Monday, December 22, 2025, from 1:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Buck Ashcraft San Benito Funeral Home. A recitation of the Holy Rosary will begin at 7 o’clock Monday evening. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, at 10:00 a.m., at St. Benedict Catholic Church in San Benito, Texas, followed by interment at Restlawn Memorial Park in La Feria, Texas.

Honored to serve as pallbearers are Miguel Ornelas Jr., Nelson McBrian, Marcus Ornelas, Eduardo Ramirez, Juan Manuel Mendoza, and Carlos Panola. Honorary pallbearer will be Henry Sanchez.