Jose Antonio Loya “Jitos”, of El Paso, Texas, was born in 1942 and passed away peacefully on August 6, 2025, in his home, surrounded by the love and comfort of his beloved family.

Born to Luis Juarez and Eliza Loya, Joe grew up in El Paso and graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School, Class of 1961. In 1969, he married the love of his life, Ernestina Menchaca Loya, and together they shared 56 beautiful years filled with devotion, laughter, faith, and countless cherished memories.

Joe was a proud and loving father to Cynthia Loya Montgomery (Scott) and Monica Ramos (Ignacio “Nacho”), and a deeply treasured grandfather to Joseph “Joe” Barron, Aaron Loya (J.P. Castedo), Ryan Ramos (Mia Gallegos), Jacob Ramos, and Brittany Denise Noriega. His family was his greatest pride and joy, and every moment with them was a gift he valued beyond measure.

Joe lived a full and vibrant life, marked by hard work, integrity, and a zest for living. He dedicated 24 years to Southern Pacific Railroad before serving as a Farmers Insurance Agent for 34 years, retiring from both with pride and the respect of colleagues, clients, and friends. Outside of work, he embraced life’s adventures — playing golf, fishing, creating beautiful music with his guitar as a talented musician, and soaring through the skies as a private pilot. His quick wit, warm heart, and gift for making anyone feel welcome left a lasting impression on everyone he met.

He is preceded in death by his parents Luis Juarez, Eliza Loya and his siblings Magdalena “Patsy” Martinez, Margarita “Tiny” Gonzalez, and David Rodolfo Loya.

He is survived by his loving wife Ernestina, his daughters, son in laws and grandchildren, his siblings Colonel (ret) Luis “Lichi” Juarez USMC, Roberto Juarez, Dolores (Juarez) Montague, and Carol (Juarez) Kendall, brother in laws Carlos Gonzalez, Armando “Mandis” Menchaca (Carmen) and sister in laws Julieta (Menchaca) Lidbeck and Martina Menchaca as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and lifelong friends who will forever cherish his memory.

Funeral Arrangements:

·        Friday, August 22, 2025 — San Jose Funeral Home, 10950 Pellicano Dr, El Paso, Texas 79935; Public Viewing: 4:00 PM | Rosary: 7:00 PM

·        Saturday, August 23, 2025 — St. Stephen Deacon & Martyr Church, 1700 George Dieter Dr, El Paso, TX 79936 Funeral Mass: 10:00 AM

Pallbearers: Ignacio “Nacho” Ramos, Aaron Loya, Ryan Ramos, Jacob Ramos, Scott Montgomery, Joe Barron, Manny Sosa, Manny Delgado

Honorary Pallbearers: Ramon Enriquez, Mike Soto, Juan Pablo Castedo, Mike Barron

Those who knew Joe will remember his smile, his unwavering generosity, and the way he lived life. His legacy of love, laughter and devotion to his family will continue to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing him.