Mark Andrew Ortega

1978 - 2018

Mark Andrew Ortega was born July 10, 1978, in Amarillo, to Frank and Annette Ortega.

Mark loved life. Even as a young boy he had many friends and playmates. He was a natural leader, full of ideas and energy. He was the type of boy and young man who, with his easy-going manner and charming sense of humor, never met a stranger. He enjoyed people and they enjoyed him. By the strength of his personality and quality of his character, he touched many lives.

Mark also loved family. He looked forward to family gatherings and holidays, and especially enjoyed visiting his grandparents on the farm in Abernathy. He was always ready to help his grandad with chores and projects around the place.

Lastly, he loved his Lord. As he completed high school and began planning for college and a career, he was leaning toward becoming a youth minister, at which, no doubt, he would have excelled.

Mark attended school at South Georgia, Puckett, Crockett and Amarillo High graduating in 1996. In his first semester at the Austin Community College, he was involved in a tragic single car accident, which left him fully awake and alert, but essentially immobile and unable to speak. He remained in this condition for twenty-one years, with round-the-clock care. During that time, he learned to communicate with a Dynavox, and even gave demonstrations on how to use the device to the speech department at TIRR in Houston. Mark could have given up on life numerous times, but chose to remain. Though majorly compromised, he remained strong and resilient.

Mark Ortega, 39, died Wednesday, March 14, 2018. His family and many others prayed for him, loved him, cared for him, and wondered countless times what might be going through his fully functioning mind. We are working our way into peace with the unwavering certainty that he is now whole, healthy, and free.

He was preceded in death by his grandfathers, Gid Adkisson, Jr. and Charlie Ortega and uncles Chuck Ortega and Andy Adkisson.

Survivors include his parents, Frank and Annette Ortega, of Amarillo; a sister, Angela Blackburn, of Amarillo; three nephews, Torrin Bixler, Bailey and Ethan Blackburn; a niece, Elizabeth Blackburn; grandmothers, Annie Ortega, of Amarillo and Marie Adkisson, of Abernathy; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

A special thank you to the many caregivers, therapists, and medical personnel who were part of Mark's life over the last 21 years.

Rosary will be said at 6:00 p.m., Tuesday, March 20, 2018, at Boxwell Brothers Ivy Chapel. Memorial service will be at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, March 21, 2018, at St. Thomas the Apostle Church with Monsignor Harold Waldow as celebrant. Burial will be in Llano Cemetery. Arrangements are by Boxwell Brothers Funeral Directors, 2800 Paramount Blvd.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to a favorite charity.

Sign the online guestbook at www.boxwellbrothers.com.