Jesus “Jessie” Alberto Ornelas Jr.

Jesus A. Ornelas (Jessie), 77 of Midland, Texas, passed away on Monday, February 9, 2026. A visitation will begin at 3pm on Monday, February 16, 2026, at Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory. Services will be 10am Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at Nalley-Pickle & Welch. Interment will follow at (Serenity Memorial Gardens Cemetery.

Jessie was born on November 26, 1948 in El Paso, Texas to Jesus A. Ornelas Sr. and Maria Amparo Ornelas.  He grew up with 3 brothers and 4 sisters.  At 19 years old he was drafted into the Marine Corps. He served 3 years in Vietnam. Shortly after he attended culinary school in Los Angeles, California.  Through his sister Margie Perez he met Barbara Baldwin Harris and it was love at first sight.  Six months later on April 19, 1974 they were married in a small ceremony where Jessie became an instant father to Holly Cilyn Harris.  Six years later in November of 1979 the family was completed by the addition of Evelyn Ornelas.  He enjoyed making model cars, hunting with his brothers and reading. He loved watching Jeopardy, sci-fi, Star Trek, Star Wars and Aliens.  He enjoyed watching football and golf.  Most of all he loved his family, but especially his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Jessie is survived by his wife of 51 years Barbara A. Ornelas, his favorite daughter Holly Waugh (Stephen Waugh), his favorite daughter Evelyn Ornelas-Burgos, grandson Andrew Waugh (Lainey Waugh), Alyssa Westerman (Joey Westerman), Jessica Nichols (Micah Nichols), Isabella Burgos, great grandchildren  Oakleigh Luna, Memphis Westerman and Ezra Nichols.

Jessie is preceded in death by his parents, in-laws and several cousins.

The family would like to express their gratitude towards the staff at Midland Medical Lodge, the physical therapy staff at Ashton Medical Lodge and the ICU staff at Midland Memorial Hospital.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to in memory of Jesus A. Ornelas, USMC to the Wounded Warrior Project.

Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland. Online condolences may be made at www.npwelch.com.

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