Joe G. Loya

Our beloved Joe G. Loya has been called home by our heavenly Father. He was a great man, honorable, trustworthy, and reliable to his family and friends. He was a dedicated husband to the “tall woman in the red dress,” Patricia M. Loya, for 64 years. He loved and cherished his family. His children, Cindy, Felix, David, and Sabina Loya were the most important people in his life. He adored his grandchildren, Gregory Garza, Jason Loya, Rebecca Loya, Jessica Duckett, Joshua Loya, and Sarah Loya. He loved his only sister, Edelmira Garza, and they always laughed about how, when they were children, he would guilt her into giving up her ice-cream for his enjoyment. He loved talking with his family around the dinner table in El Paso and California. As a proud El Paso High School Tiger, he was a trombone player, football player, and graduate of the Class of 1949. He attended the College of Mines and studied drafting and engineering. He proudly served our country for four years in the United States Air Force as part of the Strategic Air Command during the Korean War. He served as a Cub Master and Boy Scout leader for his sons. He was a great advocate for education as a path to success. As a member of LULAC for 43 years, he served as LULAC District Director in 1982 and was inducted into the first LULAC Hall of Fame in 2012. He served with distinction on Project Amistad and served for 40 years on the Board of Directors of Villa Del Norte Apartments, Inc., serving as Chairman for 20 of those years. He became a member of the Knights of Columbus in 1980, reaching Fourth Degree rank in 1982 and continued to serve that fine organization for the rest of his life. He also served on the SER Board and was a successful advocate and voice for Latino rights of equality and civil justice. After his retirement as an insurance adjuster, he pursued many hobbies, such as listening to jazz, rooting for the Cowboys, and traveling with his beloved wife. His love of music and family will forever live in our hearts. We love you and we will miss you Honey, Dad, and Grandpa. Services will be held on Thursday, November 12, 2015, at St. Raphael’s Catholic Church at 2301 Zanzibar Rd., El Paso, TX 79925. The rosary will start at 11:30 a.m. followed by Mass at noon. Interment at Fort Bliss Cemetery will take place at 1:30 p.m. immediately after the services.