Tsgt. Abel Orona, Sr., Usaf (Ret.)

Abel Orona, Sr., Vietnam veteran and sports fanatic, passed into the hands of his Lord and Savior in the early morning hours of Tuesday, November 17, 2020. He was born in El Paso, Texas on April 14, 1944 to the late Mauro and Maria Chavez Orona.

Growing up in El Paso, Abel took pride in being a member of the Boys Club of America and was extremely active as a Cub Scout and Boy Scout of America. He was also fervent in his love for any and every sport. Abel was an All-American football and basketball star at Thomas Jefferson High School where he graduated in 1962. He went on to dedicate a total of 43 years to serving his country in the United States Air Force and in Civil Service. Abel proudly joined the Air Force on May 31, 1962 at the age of 18 and continued to serve in communications with the Fifth Mob for exactly 20 years. He retired on May 31, 1982 having attained the rank of Tech Sergeant. Abel immediately began a 23-year career in Civil Service where he co-opted for a degree in electronics. He started out in electronics, then moved into avionics, and ultimately retired in 2006 while in quality control. He was a true patriot who took his service to his country very seriously!

When he wasn’t working, Abel was more than likely on a court, field, or course, rendering his never ending love for sports. A few of the sports he loved included tennis, handball, bowling, and fast-pitch softball; he was even honored to have played for the USAF’s softball team. Additionally, Abel loved the game of golf as it was a big part of his life. He was exceptionally successful and won several tournaments and awards. Abel was proud to say that he got three holes-in-one in a game! Later, he enjoyed marshalling at both The Landings and Southern Hills golf clubs. Sacred Heart Catholic Church was his church home.

If you had the opportunity to know Abel, you realized quickly that he was one who loved life and lived it to the fullest each and every day. He was a gentleman at all times and so very generous; he would give his last penny if you needed it. Making people smile and laugh with his corny jokes made his heart swell, even if he was the only one laughing at them! Abel leaves so many family members and friends with countless memories to treasure.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Ismael Orona.

Those left to cherish his memory are his loving wife, Helen S. Orona; his children, Patricia M. Kelly (Richard E.), Abel Orona, Jr. (April), and Andrew D. Orona; grandchildren, Sean Kelly, Amber Orona, Alysa Orona, and Alex Orona; brothers, Mauro Orona and Ruben Orona; sisters, Sofia Morales, Consuelo Orona, Elisa Orona, and Gloria Medina; and a number of adoring nieces, nephews, and extended family.

A brief Vigil Service will be held on Thursday, November 19, 2020, at 6:00 p.m. with visitation following until 8:00 p.m. at McCullough Funeral Home. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, November 20, 2020, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Abel will be laid to rest in Magnolia Park Cemetery with military honors following the service.

The family will accept flowers or donations may be given in memory of Abel to Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 300 S. Davis Dr., Warner Robins, GA 31088.

For friends unable to attend at this time, the service will be streamed live via the McCullough Funeral Home Facebook page at www.facebook.com/mcculloughfuneralhome/live/.

McCullough Funeral Home and Crematory has the privilege of being entrusted with these arrangements.