Rafael Najera Ortega, Sr.

Rafael “Regino” Najera Ortega, Sr. of Taylor passed away at St. David’s Hospital in Round Rock on September 17, 2017.  Surrounded by his family.

Rafael was born to Lorenzo Ortega and Soccorro Najera Ortega on October 24, 1938 in Panuco de Coronado, Durango Mexico.  Rafael worked in the manufacturing industry for 50 years.  He was a hardworking single father.  Rafael enjoyed watching his favorite football team the Dallas Cowboys, telling jokes and stories to make everyone laugh, working in his garden and with his fruit trees, and spending time with his family.  He never met a stranger and had a heart of gold.

He is survived by his wife Gloria Tamez of Taylor, Daughters Regina Moreno of Hutto, Soccorro Ortega of Thrall, and son Rafael Ortega, Jr. of Irving.  Step-daughter Marty Lopez, step-sons Arthur, Raul, John, Michael, and Jose Tamez.  His grandchildren Anthony and Gabrielle Moreno, Paulo and Mauro Flores Jr., Anastasia Ortega, John,Jasmine, and Alejandro Gonzalez, Miriam, Julian, and DeAnn Ortega.  Step-grandchildren Ashley Cooper, Ryan Tamez, Briana Gonzales, Jessi Lopez, Nicole Villareal, John Michael Tamez, Brittany Crayton, and Marcos Tamez.  3 step-great grandchildren Ava Lyn Gonzales, Bryson Crayton, and Mila Cooper.  Brother Jesus Ortega of Durango, MX., sisters Maria Ortega Alvarez of Dallas and Alicia Najera Ortega of Durango, MX.

Visitation will be 6:00-8:00 P.M. with Rosary recited at 7:00 PM on Friday, September 22, 2017 at Providence Funeral Home in Taylor.  Mass will be at 10:00 AM on Saturday, September 23, 2017 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Taylor.  Burial will follow at Taylor City Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be John Gonzalez, Anthony Moreno, Paulo Flores, Mauro Flores, Jr., Jose Manual Alvarez, Jr., and Jose Angel Alvarez.