Juan “Johnny” Martin Ortiz, 78, of Groves, Texas passed away on Sunday, February 21, 2016 at the Medical Center of Southeast Texas.
He was born on June 24, 1937 in Rio Grande City, Texas. Johnny has been a resident of the area for over 40 years. He served in the U. S. Air Force during the Korean Conflict and part of the Vietnam War. Johnny retired from Gulf Oil/Chevron as an operator after 25 years of service. He was a member of Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, O. C. A. W. Local 4-23 and a former member of Knights of Columbus Council #3491- Immaculate Conception.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Johnny is survived by his loving wife, Maria V.  Hernandez Ortiz of Groves, his daughters, Tina Marie Crochet and husband, Kerry of Groves, Rebecca “Becky” Frady and husband, Kevin of Houston, his son, John G. Ortiz of Houston, his five grandchildren, Aaron Crochet, Caleb Crochet, Sarah Crochet, Nicholas Frady and Marissa Frady along with one great grandson, Camden Reid.
He is also survived by his sister, Elma Quesada and husband, Adalberto of Alamo, Texasas well as several nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be on Tuesday, February 23, 2016 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM with a rosary to be prayed at 6:00 PM at Clayton Thompson Funeral Home in Groves. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 AM Wednesday, February 24, 2016 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church with Rev. Urbano Saenz Ramirez serving as celebrant. Interment with Full Military Honors will follow at Memory Gardens in Nederland.