Stephen Paul Ornelas, Jr.

Stephen Paul Ornelas, Jr., of Abilene, TX, passed away on his 21st birthday, July 21, 2022. 

A visitation and Rosary will be on Monday, July 25th at Hamil Family Funeral Home at 6449 Buffalo Gap.  The visitation will begin at 6:00 pm with the Rosary beginning at 7:00 pm.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 am on Tuesday, July 26th, at St. Vincent Pallotti Catholic Church with Father Adam Droll officiating.  Burial will follow at Elmwood Memorial Park.  Services are under the direction of the Hamil Family Funeral Home.

Stephen, and his twin sister Sarah, were born in Richmond, Texas to Monica Garcia and Stephen Ornelas on July 21, 2001.  When Stephen was 2 his mother married Angel Garcia, who raised Stephen as his own.  Even though Stephen was a part of a large family, he was always one of a kind and held a special place in each of his siblings’ lives.  He exuded confidence and individuality in all that he did.  Especially when it came to fashion, taking pictures, and his social media accounts.  Stephen’s fashion sense was unparalled and, when not at work, he was always dressed to the nines with his signature boots and accessories.  He loved to coordinate photoshoots to show off his most recent vintage finds. Stephen was an old soul with eclectic taste music and had a vast collection of old vinyl records.  His devotion to his faith was contrasted only by his love for Marilyn Monroe.  His personality and joy were infectious to everyone who encountered him.  Stephen lit up every room he walked into. Stephen was a passionate, stubborn, unique, God-fearing individual who knew how to make people laugh and feel so loved.   Stephen graduated from Cooper High School in 2019 and received his cosmetology license upon graduation.  He was currently attending Abilene Christian University.  While at ACU he became an active member of the Voice student peer and support group and was set to be an incoming officer.  Stephen was fearless and bold and was attempting to get a fashion track established at ACU.  He worked at McAlister’s from the age of 16 until his passing and developed many lasting friendships in his time there.  Stephen was an active member of St. Vincent Pallotti Catholic Church his whole life and faithful to the rosary. 

Stephen was preceded in death by his grandfather’s David Garcia and Raymond Ornelas and his uncle Tony Rodriquez.

Stephen is survived by his parents Angel and Monica Garcia and his biological father Stephen Ornelas, Sr:  brothers Angel Garcia, Jr, Zach Garcia, Joaquin Garcia, JohnDavid Garcia, and Jeremiah Garcia:  sisters Devenie Medina, Bianca Ornelas, Sarah Ornelas, Isa Garcia, and Madison Ornelas: nephew David Iracheta: grandparents Janie Garcia, Ramona Sosa, Valentina Gonzalez, and Johnny Garcia; as well as numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Pallbearers will be Jayden Villanueva, Cris Villanueva, Drew Flores, Dylan Heath, Elijsha Hernandez, and Maddie Mayes.