Max Ornelas
1953-10-28 2022-11-26
Max Gilbert “JR” Ornelas, reported to his final duty station on November 26 2022 at the age of 69. He passed away peacefully at home after a lengthy battle with service-related liver failure.
He was born October 28 1953 in Denver, Colorado, the son of Max Ornelas and Genoveva Bella Munoz. He spent his 17th birthday on the yellow steps of Marine Corps Camp Pendleton. He went on to serve five years in the USMC. He is a veteran of the Vietnam War. He was honorably discharged in 1975. Soon after on January 28, 1978, he married his now-former wife Cathy Ornelas. Together they had two children. He spent most of his life working for Loveland Industries and eventually retired from Samsonite. He spent his free time riding his beloved Harley Davidson Vrod, rescuing his daughter every time her car broke down, fishing, spending time with family, and above all else, he loved being with his grandkids. He attended every bull riding, gymnastics meet, and dance recital he could. Anyone who met him knew his grandchildren were his entire reason for living.
He is survived by his former wife Cathy Ornelas of Loveland; his sisters Sandra (Miguel) Estrada of Loveland, Theresa Soto of Las Vegas, and Stephanie (Joaquin) Marones of Loveland; brothers Stephan Mora of Oahu, Felix (Stephanie) Gonzales of Colorado Springs, and Gene (Courtney) Gonzales of Greeley; son Joseph Ornelas of Loveland; daughter Mananita Ornelas of Greeley; grandchildren Adyen Ornelas of Greeley, Dakota Ornelas Moore of Trinity, Alabama, and Kinsley Ornelas Moore of Greeley.
He is preceded in death by his father Max (Emily) Ornelas and Mother Bella Munoz.
Arrangements are pending. Cremation is being handled by a Basic Cremation. At a later date, he will be interned at Fort Logan National Cemetery with a reception/celebration of life to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations are being accepted to help his daughter cover his funeral expenses. Donations can be made via Venmo @mananita-ornelas or reach out to the family for further options.
He was born October 28 1953 in Denver, Colorado, the son of Max Ornelas and Genoveva Bella Munoz. He spent his 17th birthday on the yellow steps of Marine Corps Camp Pendleton. He went on to serve five years in the USMC. He is a veteran of the Vietnam War. He was honorably discharged in 1975. Soon after on January 28, 1978, he married his now-former wife Cathy Ornelas. Together they had two children. He spent most of his life working for Loveland Industries and eventually retired from Samsonite. He spent his free time riding his beloved Harley Davidson Vrod, rescuing his daughter every time her car broke down, fishing, spending time with family, and above all else, he loved being with his grandkids. He attended every bull riding, gymnastics meet, and dance recital he could. Anyone who met him knew his grandchildren were his entire reason for living.
He is survived by his former wife Cathy Ornelas of Loveland; his sisters Sandra (Miguel) Estrada of Loveland, Theresa Soto of Las Vegas, and Stephanie (Joaquin) Marones of Loveland; brothers Stephan Mora of Oahu, Felix (Stephanie) Gonzales of Colorado Springs, and Gene (Courtney) Gonzales of Greeley; son Joseph Ornelas of Loveland; daughter Mananita Ornelas of Greeley; grandchildren Adyen Ornelas of Greeley, Dakota Ornelas Moore of Trinity, Alabama, and Kinsley Ornelas Moore of Greeley.
He is preceded in death by his father Max (Emily) Ornelas and Mother Bella Munoz.
Arrangements are pending. Cremation is being handled by a Basic Cremation. At a later date, he will be interned at Fort Logan National Cemetery with a reception/celebration of life to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations are being accepted to help his daughter cover his funeral expenses. Donations can be made via Venmo @mananita-ornelas or reach out to the family for further options.