Manuel C. Ortiz, Jr.

BROWNSVILLE, TX. – Manuel C. Ortiz, Jr. of Brownsville, Texas passed away the morning of Thursday, the 13th of July 2023. He was eighty years of age.

Manny was born in Pharr, Texas on September 09, 1942, son of Francisca Cadena and Manuel Ortiz, Sr. After Manny graduated from Brownsville High School in 1961, he was drafted into the United States Air Force where he served his country until his honorable discharge. Upon returning home, he worked in the business world for a period of time before pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in English and History at The University of Texas at Brownsville.

Upon graduating with his degree, Manny began his career as a middle school teacher at Cummings Middle School with the Brownsville Independent School District. He was a committed and dedicated teacher and a positive influence in the lives of his many young students he taught over the years.

After retiring from teaching, Manny enjoyed spending time with his wife of thirty-seven years, Maria Inez Ortiz, and their combined family of five children. He was a member of many community service-oriented organizations, including the Lions Club, Pan American Golf Association, Brownsville Elks Lodge, and the St. Mary’s Men’s Club. He also enjoyed leading, coaching, and refereeing youth sports.

Preceding Manny in death were his parents, Manuel Ortiz, Sr. and Francisca Ortiz, and his brothers, Antonio Ortiz and Armando Ortiz. 

Survivors include his loving and devoted wife, Maria Inez Ortiz; children from his combined family Sandra Santana (Mike), Luis Javier Vega (Anna), Anna Ortiz Kirkes (Loren), Carlos Ortiz (Gabby), and Suzanna Vega Henderson (Rob); in addition to his sixteen grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

Visiting hours will be held on Monday, the 17th of July 2023 between the hours of four o'clock in the afternoon and nine o'clock at night, with a recitation of the holy rosary to begin at seven o'clock Monday evening within the East Chapel of Darling-Mouser Funeral Home.

The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at twelve noon on Tuesday, the 18th of July 2023 at his longtime home parish, St. Mary, Mother of the Church, 1914 Barnard Road, Brownsville. Interment with military honors will then follow, via an escorted procession, at Rose Lawn Memorial Gardens, 4464 Old Port Isabel Road, Brownsville.

Honored to serve as his pallbearers will be Charlie Ortiz, Eric Ortiz, Javier Vega, Robert Wesley, Christopher Santana, and Giorgio Wesley.

Memories of Manuel may be shared at www.darlingmouser.com.

Personalized funeral arrangements directed by Steven R. Hieu Bailey and Staff have been entrusted to the care of Darling-Mouser Funeral Home at 945 Palm Boulevard in Brownsville, Texas 78520, (956) 546-7111.