Joe Ortega

Joe Ortega, 96, passed away September 13, 2025, in Waco, Texas.

Funeral mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. Friday, September 19, 2025, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church with Fr. Benjamin Magnaye officiating. Burial will follow at Oakwood Cemetery. Visitation will be from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Thursday, September 18, in the chapel at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey Funeral Home.

Joe was born in Waco on December 24, 1928, to Josefina Estrada. Joe was adopted and raised by Adelaida Rios Ortega and Jesus and Luciana Chavez. He married Frances Torrez on February 23, 1949, and had two children, Antonio and Adelaida.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Frances; his children; and a granddaughter, Alicia Nicole Ortega.

Survivors include grandchildren Kerry Sosa, Kristopher Kone, Andrea Wells and husband, Britt, Brandon Ortega and Nathan Ortega; great-grandchildren Abigail Martinez, Deliana Alvarado and husband, Ariel; Kristopher Kone, Jr., Sabrina Sosa, Adam Cervantez and Maleki Kone; and two great-great grandchildren.

Pallbearers will be Kristopher Kone, Jr, Adam Cervantez, Everest Prieto, Donald Kone, Ariel Alvarado and Damien Cervantez.

The family invites you to leave a message or memory of Joe in his “Memorial Guestbook” at www.WHBfamily.com.

In loving memory of Joe, a memorial keepsake of your choice is available at this link: MEMORIAL KEEPSAKE