Joseph Ochoa

Joseph “Mexican Joe” Ochoa, 84, of Fort Wayne, died October 11, 2020 at Lutheran Hospital, Fort Wayne, IN.  Joe was born to Pantaleon Ochoa Sr. and Paulita Ochoa on June 15, 1936 in Encinal, TX.  Joe enjoyed spending time with family and friends and was known for his storytelling.  Joe was an avid dice player and loved to get together daily with his friends for “friendly” games of craps.  He was also was known for his excellent pool skills.  Everybody knew he was almost impossible to beat on the pool table.  Joe also loved baseball.  He enjoyed playing in his younger years and coaching and mentoring young players when his playing days were over.  Most people knew Joe ran the Mexican dances in Fort Wayne for over 30 years at Links Wonderland.  He was known for his generosity and love of making kids happy, as most people remember his epic Christmas dances where he made sure no child left without a smile and a gift.   Surviving is the love of his life of 47 years, Lydia “Bebe” Sanchez of Fort Wayne; his children, Joseph Ochoa Jr, Youlanda (Greg) Kinsey, Tom (Janet) Ochoa, Laura McCue, Eddie (Maria) Ochoa, Darrell (Lisa) Sanchez and Brian (Michelle) Sanchez, all of Fort Wayne; his brothers, Richard(Brenda) Ochoa of Fort Wayne, Olga O. Gonzalez and Bertha O. Cruz of Encinal, TX; his ex-wife Mary; and many grandchildren, great- grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.  Joe is preceded in death by his daughter Patricia Martinez and his son Joseph “Mookie” Sanchez; his brothers, Alberto Ochoa, Henry Ochoa, Panfilo (Blackie) Ochoa, Pantaleon (Junior) Ochoa Jr and his twin sister, Josephine (La Cuata) Barajas.  Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 AM, Tuesday, October 20, 2020, at Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, 10700 Aboite Center Rd, with calling one-hour prior.  Visitation will be held Monday, October 19, 2020, 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm & 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm with a rosary at 3:30 pm at Divine Mercy Funeral Home, 3500 Lake Ave, Fort Wayne.  Burial will be in Highland Park Cemetery, 2403 E Wallen Rd, Fort Wayne.  Memorial contributions can be made to Toys for Tots in Joe’s name.  He loved making kids happy and we know this would make him happy.  Please remember that face mask and social distancing are required.