Felix Fernandez Orta

Felix Fernandez Orta, 75, lifelong resident of Orange, passed away on December 29, 2020, at his home.

Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, January 5, 2021, at St. Mary Catholic Church in Orange. Officiating will be Father Joseph P. Daleo. Burial will follow at Orange Forest Lawn Cemetery in West Orange.

Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., with a rosary at 6:00 p.m., Monday, January 4, 2020, at Claybar Funeral Home in Orange.

Born on a cold winter day in Orange, Texas, on December 28, 1945, he was the son of Martin Maldonado Orta and Carmen (Fernandez) Orta. As a newborn Felix was such a small baby boy, his father wrapped him up and put him in shoe box. He was raised in a very close and loving home with 12 brothers and sisters. Growing up Felix learned to work hard and treat everyone with kindness. He never met a stranger and attracted all with his loving and friendly personality. He began his career at OCARC in Orange where he worked for many years, and met the love of his life, Cheryl. Felix was also employed through Memorial Hospital in Orange in laundry as well as the medical receiving department. He loved people, food, music and dancing. He had a special place in his heart for children and animals- especially his beloved fur-babies, Poncho & CoCo. Felix was a self-proclaimed lawn man extraordinaire, spending many years with his wife tending to the lawns of numerous friends & clients in Orange. He did not choose the life of a common man- he used all of his talents and skill sets that God gave him to become the best man possible. He accepted all challenges he faced with humor and dignity and worked hard. Felix served his Lord faithfully at St. Mary Catholic Church for a number of years. He will be deeply missed by all those he touched in his time on earth.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Luis and Cleo Fas Salazar; parents, Martin and Carmen F. Orta; brothers, Peter Orta and Martin Orta Jr.; and sisters, Beatrice Chesson, Carmen Huckaby and Lolita Orta.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 42 wonderful years, Cheryl Orta of West Orange; siblings, Rosita Reid, Alicia Blanchard and husband Elvin, Raul F. Orta and wife Catarina, Alejandro F. Orta, Maria Elena Grimes, and Roberto F. Orta, Sr. and wife Mary, all of Orange; along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Serving as pallbearers will be Raul F. Orta, Alejandro F. Orta, Roberto F. Orta, Jr., Benjamin F. Orta, Roberto F. Orta, Sr, and Cody DeRoche. Honorary pallbearers are James Martin Grimes and Jimmy Grimes.