Joseph Paul Ochoa

Joseph “Joe or Chief” Paul Ochoa 71, passed away at his home in Thrall, Texas on January 12, 2021. He was born on May 11, 1949 in Albert Lea, Minnesota.

Joe was born to Zenaida Ochoa and Manuel Bustamante. His grandfather, Gregorio Ochoa, helped raise him in Rogers, Texas. During his teen years, he moved to Thorndale, Texas to live with his mother and stepfather Lorenzo Hernandez, Sr. On June 21, 1997, he married Cynthia Vickery of San Antonio, Texas. Joe received his GED later in his adult life. He retired from ALCOA after working 34 years as a mechanic. Shortly after retiring, he decided to return to work as a master mechanic for Texana Machinery in Manor. Although he was retired, if you knew Joe he was NOT retired. He opened his own business called Apache Unlimited, established in Thrall. He did mobile maintenance work on heavy equipment for Community Propane and Jack Hillard’s Construction along with vehicles at the shop. He loved the challenge of different types of machinery and he continued working until his passing. He was a hardworking man and would do anything asked of him. He also worked part-time as Thrall City Marshall in the 1980s for many years and was part of helping organize the Thrall Volunteer Fire Department. Joe enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, cooking, and drinking beer (what he called Apache hour). With his sense of humor, you never knew what he would say or do but he had you laughing.  He also loved dancing to country music, participating in Pow Wows, restoring classic cars, and riding his Harley.  Joe and Ray enjoyed volunteering and teaching Native American History to elementary students.

Joe was loved by so many and will be greatly missed.

He is survived by his mother, Zenaida Ochoa Hernandez, wife Cynthia Ochoa, sons Ray Ochoa (Rhonda) of Thrall, Samuel Ochoa (Naomi) of Thrall, ex-daughter-in-law Pam Ochoa, ex-wife Rosa Linda Hernandez, David Montalvo of San Antonio, and daughter Davina Montalvo of San Antonio. Six grandchildren Elizabeth (Wyatt), Talon, Sierra, Alec, Calista and Jacienta. He is also survived by siblings, Hernandez Brothers – Lorenzo Jr. (Vicky), Hector (Diane), Rollie (Diane), Danny (Brenda), Benny (Elvy) and Hernandez Sisters – Molly Dominguez (Lee), Rosie Bennight (Rick), and Michelle Frei (Scott). Bustamante Brothers – Benito, Renee (Debra), Fernando (Irene) and Bustamante Sisters – Margarita (Ruben), Virginia (Felipe), Marylou, and Sylvia. His in-laws Donald and Connie Vickery, brothers-in-law Buddy, Israel, sisters-in-law Brenda and Lisa (Larry). Numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. He is preceded in death by his father’s Lorenzo Hernandez, Sr. and Manuel Bustamante.

A memorial service to celebrate Joe’s life will be held at a later date.