ELTON-John David Ortego, 58, a lifelong resident of Elton, LA, passed away in his home on September 2, 2018. He was born May 27, 1960, to John and Hilda Klumpp Ortego. He attended school in Elton and was a graduate of the class of 1978.
As the younger brother to two older sisters, he enjoyed farm life and took an interest in all that it involved at a very young age. Being mechanically inclined, he began tinkering with his dad’s farm equipment and helping out on the farm by age 8. As a child, he could be mischievous and as he grew into adulthood, he became the man who always had a joke for you. He was a jack-of-all trades and excelled at everything he attempted. There was nothing that he could not build, repair or redesign. He was optimistic, loving, stalwart and hardworking, and he had a servant’s heart. His willingness to assist people was evident throughout his eighteen years of service with the Elton Fire Department as the assistant fire chief. While he was devoted to his home town and work, his love for his children and grandchildren surpassed everything else.
Those left to cherish his memory are his love and companion, Tracy Barron; his two children, daughter, Amanda (Ryan) Trahan of Jennings, and son, David E. Ortego of Lake Charles; three grandchildren, Logan, Melanie and Corey Trahan; parents, John and Hilda Klumpp Ortego of Elton; sisters, Cheryl Lynn (Rickey) Fuselier of Elton, and Kathryn Renee (L.E.) Kyle of Moss Bluff; two nephews, Brad (Kelly) Durio of Lake Charles, and Trevor (Jeanette) Kyle of Lake Charles; two nieces, Kaylyn Durio Fruge and fiancé, Blair Fontenot of Kinder, and Devon (David) Sonnier of Baytown, TX; four great nieces and two great nephews; Godchild, Rosaleigh Comeaux.
He is preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, John and Essie Mae Ortego of Basile; and maternal grandparents, Raymond and Mabel Klumpp of Basile.
At the request of the family, visitation will be held at Ardoin’s Funeral Home of Elton on Wednesday, September 5th from 4:00 pm until 9:00 pm, and again on Thursday, September 6th from 8:00 am until time of services. A Prayer Service will be held at 6:30 pm Wednesday evening.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 am on Thursday, September 6, 2018 at St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Elton. Rite of Committal will follow in the St. Paul Cemetery with Rev. Jose Vattakunnel, Celebrant.
Family and friends may view this obituary and sign the guestbook at www.ardoinfuneralhomes.com, www.ardoinfuneralhome.com, or on Facebook- Ardoin's Eunice or Ardoin/Allen Parish Funeral Homes.
Ardoin's Funeral Home of Eunice, 1301 West Laurel Ave, (33)457.3371 is in charge of arrangements.