Obituary: Jose Ochoa

A wonderful father, grandfather, and friend entered into eternal rest on February 5, 2018. Jose Ochoa, age 83 of Trinidad, TX passed away in Athens.

Jose was born September 11, 1934 in Penitas, TX to Jose Ochoa and Beatrice Ramirez Ochoa.

At the age of 15 he started working at his Uncle’s restaurant “Gilbert’s El Charro Restaurant” in Tyler, TX. He had the opportunity to open his own restaurant in 1969. He moved his family to Payne Springs, where the first Ochoa’s Family Restaurant was established. Jose or “Poppa Joe” as known to the community moved the restaurant to Malakoff in 1973, where it still remains the favorite Mexican Restaurant in the area. All of his children worked in the restaurant as they were growing up. Ochoa’s now has three locations, Malakoff, Athens, and Canton.

He met and married the love of his life Anita Magallan June 16, 1956 in Rancho Grande, Mexico. They had 52 wonderful years together before her passing on August 12, 2008.

Joe is preceded in death by his wife Anita Ochoa, parents Jose and Beatriz Ochoa, sister Alicia Torrez, and great-granddaughter Alina Gamez.

He is survived by his children Melia and husband Marty Reid, Mary Lou and husband Bill Faulk, Javier Ochoa, George and wife Melany Ochoa, Joe Ochoa, Anna and husband Gary Wigley, Nancy and husband Damazo Gamez, Jerry Ochoa, Julian and wife Brenda Ochoa, Jesse and wife Diana Ochoa, sister Maria Elizondo, sister Melia Ochoa, twenty one grandchildren, twenty five great grandchildren, one great-great grandchildren.

Visitation for Mr. Ochoa will be Sunday February 11 from 1 p.m. -2:30 p.m. at First Baptist Church, Malakoff. His service will be at 2:30 at the church with his son-in-law Marty Reid officiating. Interment will follow in the Malakoff Cemetery.