Joseph Nicholas Marquez

My hero and soldier warrior, Joseph "Joey" Marquez passed away on Sunday August 18, 2024 surrounded by those who loved him and in the thoughts of many others. Joey was born to his loving and devoted mom, Veronica.

He graduated from Jefferson High School in 2016 where he was active in JROTC. Before his 18th birthday with his mother's blessing, he signed up for the Army National Guard. Joey decided on Field Artillery, since he liked blowing things up. He was a part of the unit helping out when Hurricane Harvey hit Houston in 2017. With this journey, he made some really good friends in basic training at Ft. Jackson, AIT at Ft. Sill, and at the National Guard Armouries in El Paso.

While defending our borders in 2019, Joey became ill while on Active Duty. He fought so many battles with this illness, staying relentless and brave through every procedure he endured. He was the strongest person we have known, his strong will to live and positive attitude got him so much further than anyone expected. He put his truth and faith in God, as a family we prayed not only for him, but for others that we knew were ill.

Joey was a HUGE fan of Star Wars, his favorite character being none other than Darth Vader. He dressed up as Dapper Darth, wearing a black suit with his helmet instead of the cape, a very handsome man indeed. His interest in Harry Potter led him to own his own wand, clothing, socks and even a goblet. Joey leaves behind so much memorabilia of his favorite interests.

He is preceded in death by his grandparents, Polly and Chino; Uncle Hugo; cousin David, and his sweet Labrador, Shyla. He loved them all, and missed them so much more.

He will be terribly missed by so many friends and family. His best friends: Jose, Kefren, Gloria, Luis, and Javi. His Battle Buddies: Nick, Ernesto, Christian, and DS Edwin Marrero. His higher ups, Sgt Camargo, Chaplin Major Olmos, 1SGT Chris Rose (ret), Major Jason Autry, LTC Rosales, SSCHerrera-Molina, and MSGT Salas, whose presence was a great support during the funeral arrangements. Joey knew so many people, my sincere apologies if I left out any names.

Joey leaves behind so many people he considered family whether they were "blood" or not, including his Ninos Richard and Yolie Mendoza, his Nina in Confirmation Anita, Uncles Tony and Ralph, Aunts Connie and Sylvia along with numerous cousins.

Joey leaves behind a special woman, his mom Veronica. A woman who was very devoted to taking care of her son, caring for him and being with him at every appointment (except one chemo session), being by his side holding his hand throughout his illness, until he took his last breath. Through everything that life every put in our path, we always had each other to lean on.

We would like to extend a special thank you to all the staff at WBAMC Oncology and ICU for all their support. As well as the staff at BAMC JBSA 5T, Fisher House, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center -New York, Texas Oncology, and Hospice El Paso especially his nurse, Keke.

My boy's suffering has come to an end. Joey, ring that bell son, you're finally CANCER FREE!!

A visitation for Joseph will be held Wednesday, September 11, 2024 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Hillcrest Funeral Home, 1060 North Carolina Dr., El Paso, Texas 79915. A rosary will occur Wednesday, September 11, 2024 at 6:00 PM, 1060 North Carolina Dr., El Paso, Texas 79915. A funeral mass will occur Thursday, September 12, 2024 at 11:30 AM at San Antonio De Padua Catholic Church, 503 Hunter Dr, El Paso, Texas 79915. A graveside service will occur Thursday, September 12, 2024 at 1:00 PM at Fort Bliss National Cemetery, 5200 Fred Wilson Ave, El Paso, TX 79906.