Gilbert Orta

GILBERT H. ORTA, SR.

After a short battle with an aggressive cancer, Gilbert H. Orta, Sr., 62 of Waco passed away peacefully on April 7, 2020.

He was born on January 27, 1958 and is the son of the late Fred R. Orta, Sr. and Tommie H. Orta.

He attended Waco schools and was a proud graduate of University High School. Growing up, he always had a passion for music, art, billiards, and Dr. Pepper. His passion for music only grew as he began playing the drums in his father’s Conjunto band in his early teens. Over the span of three decades he continued to share his passion by playing for various local Tejano bands. He was also an avid billiards player who enjoyed the thrill of tournament play and could always be seen playing with various pool leagues around Waco.

He is survived by his mother; his wife, Gloria Salazar Orta; his only son, Gilbert (Nino) Orta, Jr., and daughter-in-law Sonya Rodriguez; step-son Ricky Salazar; 7 grandchildren, Dallas Rodriguez, Davian Rodriguez, Beatricio Orta, Cainaan Orta, Jessiah Orta, Saniyah Orta, and Kyra Salazar; 3 brothers, Ernest Orta, Sr. (Lilia), Paul Orta, Sr. (Cindy), Fred R. Orta, Jr. (Lois); 3 sisters, Anna Marie Orta, Elizabeth (Liz) Orta, and Yolanda Gongora (Fabian); and a host of nieces and nephews.