Pilar Carrasco Ornelas

1944 - 2025

Odessa, Texas - Pilar Ornelas, 80, of Odessa, Texas passed away after a short but intense battle with cancer on October 8, 2025. Visitation will be on Saturday, October 18, 2025, from 11am to 4pm and Sunday, October 19, 2025, from 1pm to 4pm at Sunset Memorial Funeral Home in Odessa. Rosary will be held on October 19, 2025 at 6pm at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church. His funeral Mass will be held at 1pm, Monday, October 20th, at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church with Father Francis Onyekozuru officiating. Pilar was born on October 12, 1944, to Arcadio Ornelas and Albina (Carrasco) Ornelas in Presidio, Texas. In September 1965, he joined the US Army and served 18 months in Heidelberg, Germany and was honorably discharged in August 1967. In March of 1968 he joined the Odessa Police Department where he served for 12 years. In 1980, he began a 33-year career in the oil industry, retiring from Occidental Permian in 2013. On April 25, 1970, Pilar married the love of his life, Romelia. Together they raised two children, daughter, Karina, and son, Edgar. His family was among the founding members of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church when it was established in 1982. At the time of his death, he was serving on the Pastoral Council. Pilar was a Cursillista and was active in the ACTS community. He was also a Knight of Columbus. Pilar and Romelia served with the couple retreats in Spanish and hosted a prayer group for over 20 years. In his retirement years he also enjoyed maintaining the walking trail at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton. When the family's world was shattered by a tragic accident in July 2018, Pilar immediately responded in the wake of his son-in-law's passing, becoming a devoted father figure to his granddaughter, Bella Beatriz Hernandez. It was a role he took on out of deep and unwavering love for her. Pilar is preceded in death by his parents, Arcadio and Albina Ornelas; his brothers, Eduardo and Arcardio Jr; his son-in-law, George Hernandez; and his godson, Mark Andrade. Pilar is survived by his beloved wife of 55 years, Romelia Bustamante Ornelas. He leaves behind his children: daughter Karina Ornelas Hernandez and son Edgar Ornelas. He is also survived by his granddaughter, Bella Beatriz Hernandez, and his sisters Socorro Estrada, Alicia Tavarez, Maria Rivas (Dolores), Carolina Garcia (Onesimo), and Teresa Leija; as well as his brother-in-law, Sergio (Jocefa) and sisters-in-law, Enoe Bustamante and Elsa Gonzalez (Pedro). He also leaves behind many cherished nieces and nephews that he loved dearly. Pallbearers will be Sergio Omar Bustamante, Ubaldo Estrada, Daniel Gonzalez, Miguel Gonzalez, Eduardo Ornelas and Robert Rivas. The family of Pilar Ornelas wishes to extend their deepest gratitude to Sergio Omar and Tara Bustamante, for their unwavering support. Their kindness in opening their home provided a true comfort during Pilar's hospitalization in the Dallas area. Their gratitude also goes to Jocefa Bustamante for her caring assistance with Pilar's needs, and to both Jocefa and Sergio Bustamante for looking after Edgar in Odessa with such care. Finally, the family offers their sincere gratitude to everyone that offered prayers for Pilar and his family. Your kindness and love are deeply appreciated. Arrangements are entrusted to Sunset Memorial Gardens and Funeral Home. To send condolences to the family, Please sign his guestbook at www. Sunsetodessa.com