Ben Ortiz, Jr.

On January 30th, 2015, Ben Ortiz Jr. was called home to be with his Lord. Ben was a loving husband, father, classic – car lovin’ story teller. He told his stories so many times that he has become the stories. They live on after him. And in that way, he lives in everyone who knew him.

Ben was born in Binger, Oklahoma on January 15, 1947, the youngest son in a family of 12 siblings.  He worked from the age of 12 at the legendary Cattleman’s steakhouse, where he had to stand on a box to reach the dishes and gained a mentor in the owner Percy Wade, who loved him as his own son and shared a passion for classic cars.  As a young man, he served as a paratrooper during the Vietnam War, his sister Susie wrote him a letter every day and upon his return home, welcomed him with open arms.  As the only surviving son in his family, his sisters and mother looked to him for leadership. In a way, this started him for a life of not only fathering his own children, but being a true father figure to nieces, nephews, friends and neighbors.

In the summer of 1976, a mutual friend introduced him to, “the prettiest girl he’d ever seen”.  On January 1st, 1977, they married and soon raised a bustling home with four children. Ben was so excited when he landed his dream job at GM, a job that allowed him to spend hours with American classics and hours scrutinizing every paint coat until it reached perfection.  Ben’s job required him to work nights and he always credited his wife for all of her hard work at home.  It was not always easy; but they did it together sacrificing for the good of their children.

In his retirement, he spent his mornings charming the locals over his favorite breakfast at Roosters and taking his granddaughter to school every morning. He was a home-body, who loved working outside and mowing. Nothing thrilled him more than being in the presence of his family, especially watching his grandchildren participate in sports, watching  westerns and sports on television  and warming up to a bowl of beans and any sweet treat he could get his hands on. It is to be noted that the day before he passed, he filled his last hours in the comfort of his home with his family; telling stories, eating ice cream and drinking his beloved diet Cherry Dr. Pepper.

Ben is survived by his beloved wife Linda, children Tina and Todd Manwell, Benjamin and Laci Ortiz, Andrea and J.R. Williams of Jones, Oklahoma and Lucian Allen and Morgan Cotanny of Duncan Oklahoma, grandchildren; David and Michaela Tuberville; Marlon, Johnny, and Leticia Narvaez; Brice, Jordan, Allena, and Lucy Cotanny; Ben and Preston Williams; Delilah, Daisy and Deanna Quinonez and Birdie Ortiz of Jones, Oklahoma, great-grandchildren Gabriel and Lakota Tuberville. Adopted Family Friends Cristal Herrera, Manuel and Yvette Quinonez;   His sisters, Susie and spouse Bobby Gunter of Wayne; Frances Hughes of Oklahoma City; Jerry and Lupy Goodlin of Stella; Mildred Hodgen of Enid, Letha White of Brownsville, TX; Lucy Lynn of Oregon; and Virginia Ortiz of Moore; Brother and Sister in Law Carlos and Eddie Vargas of Choctaw, Ok. He was preceded in death by his father and mother, Ben and Juanita Ortiz, his sisters, Joella Hartman, Helen Manghum and his dear brothers, John, Valenta, and Andrew Ortiz.  The services will be held by Rev. Brian Buettner at St. Robert Bellarmine Catholic Church in Jones, Oklahoma at  10:30am on Saturday, February 7th.

Arrangements are under the direction of OK Cremation and Funeral Home, Oklahoma City.