Francisco "Kiko", "Tejano", "Tex", "Pa", "Grandpo" Ortega

Francisco "Kiko", "Tejano", "Tex", "Pa", "Grandpo" Ortega retuned to the dust in which he was created on April 16, 2021, after finishing his 95th trip around the Sun. Francisco was born on April 2, 1926, in Dallas, Texas. He is preceded in death by his Son Orlando, and Brother Tomas. Francisco is survived by son Frank (Soleda), grandchildren Morgan and Noah. As well as numerous nieces and nephews. Kiko was raised with the Alfaro Family in the Rio Grande Valley in South most Texas. Most of his Texas friends and family knew and called him Kiko. While there he worked in various jobs in the ranching and farming community, also working at the Air Bases in Harlingen, San Antonio, and Arkansas for the motor pool in the last year of WWII and for a few years after. When he found his way to Pueblo, CO in the early '50's his new friends and family started calling him Tejano/Tex. After working at the Mill for 10 years...He proudly commuted daily to the Air Force Academy. Two days after he was hired there, he came back to Pueblo and bought his home on Cypress. He Retired from the Academy after 17 years. His next career was at the Pueblo Army Depot where he worked for 11 years until he finished his 28 plus years in Civil Service, obtaining an award for never calling in sick. Tex never could stay put. In retirement he picked up a summer job with the Pueblo Parks and Rec cleaning and maintaining Pueblo parks on the South side. Tex worked for 11 summers at the parks. Always keeping busy. Tejano was very passionate about his cars and trucks and sometimes his vans. He loved all makes, as he was not partial. From Corollas to Lincoln's, he'd drive them all, Foreign and Domestics. As well as all colors from white to yellow and green.. One of his favorites was his Candy Apple Red 1963 Chevy Flat Bed Pickup, which he proudly drove all over Pueblo when he was cleaning for the Parks and Rec. Tejano enjoyed visiting with his friends and neighbors. He always knew what was going on with them but most importantly lent a helping hand the best way he could. On many occasions assisting widows and orphans in the areas closest to him. He was a real good guy. Taking the initiative to show generous acts of kindness throughout Pueblo, Springs and Salt Creek. "Pa" as his sons called him was a good father, occasionally giving them what they wanted and always giving them what they needed. Taking them to ball games, teaching them to ride bikes. Tex loved taking them to Championship Wrestling marches at the Fairgrounds and Dallas Cowboys games. As well as showing them how to be a hard worker. Pa was always there for them no matter what. Grandpo Tex loved spoiling his grandchildren, always visiting and bringing treats and taking them for ice cream. Handing them a few bucks before leaving. Tex will be dearly missed by so many in Texas, Colorado and in between. He is remembered for his sense of humor and his tough love for all the neighborhood kids. They loved the discipline because they knew he cared for them greatly. My family would like to thank all who sent cards, flowers, called by phone, sent text messages and added social media notes of love and sympathy during this sad time. Also thank you to my mom Frances Villanueva for making sure my Pa was well taken care of the last few years of his life. Thank you to Vince Perez RN for caring for my Pa warmly and to everyone at Sangre De Cristo Hospice, we greatly appreciate the care you have given my father in his last days. Tejano awaits being resurrected back to the earth very soon as John 5:28, 29 promises "Do not be amazed at this, for the hour is coming in which all those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice and come out..." A time when death will be no more... We cannot wait for this, as eloquently stated in Revelation 21: 4, 5 "And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away.” And the One seated on the throne said: “Look! I am making all things new.” Also, he says: “Write, for these words are faithful and true." Upon Tejano’s request no formal services will be held.

Francisco "Kiko", "Tejano", "Tex", "Pa", "Grandpo" Ortega

April 2, 1926 - April 16, 2021