Obituary of Jose Rocha Sanchez

Jose “Joe” Rocha Sanchez, peacefully slipped into the arms of his Heavenly Father in the early morning hours of Sunday, July 19, 2020 at his residence in Bossier City, Louisiana, after a lengthy and courageous battle with Parkinson’s/Dementia Disease. Guadalupe Corina Sanchez, his loving wife of 59-1/2 years was fortunate to be able to be by his side.

Jose was born Sunday, December 15, 1935, in Donna Texas, to Julian Sanchez and Maria Jesusa Rocha-Sanchez. He grew up quickly in a hard-working migrant family. Along with his three brothers, Lupe, Felipe, Guillermo and sister Mary, the family traveled throughout Texas, moving eastwards through the Southern United States and as far north as Minnesota. The family worked hard on these farmlands in order for the family to seek out a living. Jose loved to share his many enlightening stories of the family’s travels and of their hard work in the fields of the country he loved and enjoyed seeing. Of all the stories he shared, he never complained about the hard work or the many miles that were traveled, although we, his immediate family, knew his experiences were often times very challenging. We also knew these experiences helped shape his strong work ethic and his tight-knit family values.

Formal education was a rare treasure that Jose didn’t always get the opportunity to engage because of his family’s travel. However, he acquired enough education and life skills that enabled him to become a great farmer, skilled laborer and later a successful business owner.

In 1955, his family made their final move and settled in Morton, Texas. This is the place Jose has always called home. On July 10, 1956, Jose enlisted in the United States Army. He was stationed in El Paso, Texas and Alaska; places he often spoke fondly of - he proudly served his country and was honorably discharged in 1958. Afterwards, he came home to Morton and continued with what he knew best; farming, he worked hard, long hours to help support his family.

On January 31, 1961, he married Guadalupe “Lupe” Corina Casarez, “Mi Corazon” he would call her, in Levelland Texas, and he began his life as a husband and a father. In 1968, he left Morton Texas with his wife and five children in tow and moved to Odessa,Texas and eventually settling in Gardendale, Texas.

Throughout his life, Jose learned many trades. He was a successful roofing and construction business operator in Odessa, Texas. Through the years he would point out the many schools and buildings throughout the city and state that he had some hand in their construction whenever he traveled through Texas.

Jose, also answered to Dad, Daddy, Pawpaw, Little Paw-Paw, Pops, Poopi, by his children and grandchildren, he was great in many ways. He was a quiet man, a man of few words, but whenever he spoke we all would intently listen to his statements. Often times his conversations would end with everyone around him in laughter because of his quick wit. He loved practical jokes and loved to goose Lupe while she would be doing laundry and then he would take off running; he knew she’d catch him and get him. He loved BIG, worked hard and had a sweet soul and disposition. He lived and taught those traits to anyone he came in contact with by his example. The grandchildren’s favorite endearment was, “Love you BIG BIG BIG!!” said while displaying his beautiful imperfect smile. Jose was Husband, Great Daddy, Uncle Joe, Tio, Our Paw-Paw and was deeply loved and will be missed more than our hearts can bear.

One of Jose’s many favorite past times during his retired healthy years was to grab the phone in the early morning and reach out to his brothers and sister over coffee. The farmer in him would never end a call without asking, “how’s the weather?”,...”how much rain did you get?”...”did it hail?” The love he had for his siblings was endless. He always was concerned of their needs over his own. Although the words “Love You” were rarely spoken between them, it was definitely understood.

Daddy had a host of nieces, nephews and god-children that he loved. A few of them grew up while living next door. It gave Daddy comfort knowing they were close, cared for, and his guidance and wisdom if they needed it. They were his children too-Family.

He is preceded in death by his parents Julian Sanchez, April 4, 1980 and Jesusa, February 1, 1987. Brother Felipe R Sanchez, July 19, 2015. Nephew Demetrio Sanchez

Jose is survived by his wife, Guadalupe Sanchez, his daughters, Sylvia Keen and husband, Ray Keen, Nacogdoches, Texas. Thelma “T.J.” Cunningham and husband James Cunningham, Jr., Haughton, Louisiana. Irma “Mimi” Marquez and husband Efrain Marquez, Canyon Lake, Texas. Sons, Joe Dale Sanchez and wife Keri, Austin, Texas and Roy Sanchez, Bossier City, Louisiana. His honorary daughters, Renee Koonce, Odessa, Texas and Amy “Jamie” Nunn, San Angelo, Texas. Grandchildren, Melissa (Nick) McIntyre, Tex (Caleve) Souders, Layla Alyson (Tommy) Noble, Jimmy Cunningham, David (Lindsey) Cunningham, Samantha Cunningham, Chasidy N Thompson, Michelle “Shelly” Sanchez, Brandon N Sanchez, Brianna R Sanchez, Joseph “Joey” Thomas Sanchez, Jaci Sanchez, Matthew Sanchez and Marc Sanchez. 15 great-grandchildren, Kenneth Barfield, Zachary Barfield, Breana (JD) Anderson, Nathan Cunningham, Ashton Young, Sadie Lee Cunningham, Camilla Skye McIntyre, twins, Ayden and Ava Escamilla Sanchez, and future grand-child, Braylyn Anderson due August 2020; Brothers Lupe Mendoza and wife Leta, Guillermo Sanchez and wife Alvesa, Sister Candelaria “Maria” Romo and Spouse Timo. In addition Jose will be remembered by his many kin family, nieces, nephews, and friends.

A celebration of life will be held in Morton, Texas at a later date. Jose had requested to be with his beloved Dad, Julian and beloved brother, Felipe.

The family would like to thank Passages Hospice Minden for their commitment and love for their patients and patient’s families.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Alzheimer’s and Dementia Research, Caregiver’s Associations, Passages Hospice Minden LA or a charity of your choice.