Alejandro Ochoa, Sr., 74, passed away suddenly on Thursday, December 28, 2022. He was born on July 25, 1948 at his home in Chapman Ranch, Texas.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Saragosa Ochoa Sr. & Elia (Salazar) Ochoa; his brothers: Luis Ochoa, Carlos Ochoa, Noe Ochoa, Sr. and his grandsons: Michael Anthony Cazarez and Jacob Michael Cazarez.

Alex is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Rosa (Hernandez) Ochoa; his children: Alejandro Ochoa Jr. and Marisol Ochoa Vasquez (Max); and his grandchildren: Alex Phillip Ochoa, Bryana Adelaida Cazarez and Mikaela Merzedez Cazarez.

He is also survived by his two brothers and sister; Saragosa Ochoa Jr. (Ester), Alfredo Ochoa (Elida) and Elia Ochoa Naranjo (Jesse); and several nieces and nephews.

Alex Ochoa, Sr. was a loving Husband, Father, Grandfather, Godfather, Brother, Cousin, Uncle, and Friend. He was born the son of migrant workers. They traveled to various locations to work in order to provide for their family. They settled in Chapman Ranch outside of Corpus Christi. Along the journey, they met other families that shared the same circumstances and just as any family does, they helped each other in times of need and became lifetime friends. Alex met the love of his life, Rose Hernandez Ochoa, at South Park Junior High. They were married December 13, 1967 and just celebrated their 55 ^th Wedding Anniversary. He worked hard to provide for his wife and 2 children, Alex Jr. and Marisol, and gave them an amazing life filled with love, lessons, laughter, friendship and adventures.

Alex was a Sargent in the U.S. Army and a Vietnam Veteran. He served in Vietnam from 1968 – 1969. He served his country with pride and earned 3 bronze star medals.

He began his work career at Whataburger, Inc. cutting tomatoes, onion and pickles and peeling potatoes that needed to be delivered fresh daily to each unit. After 2 years, he stood out as an exemplary employee and was asked to move to Whataburger's construction department. He spent 7 years traveling to various locations across the state and country helping to construct new restaurants. He would remain onsite an extra week to ensure that the restaurants were operational. He later became Supervisor of both the maintenance and construction departments and officially retired in 2003 after 32 years of service with the company.

Alex was a man of integrity, hardworking, generous, honest, compassionate, reliable, dependable and humble. He took time to help anyone at any time that was in need. It could be construction work, mechanics, plumbing, electric, refrigeration, finances or just advice. He never said "No" to lending a helping hand and he expected nothing in return.

His greatest joy was his 3 grandchildren, Alex Phillip, Bryana Adelaida and Mikaela Merzedez. He became his "Best" self with them. He would participate in games, dress up for holidays and he never denied them their every request. He taught them life skills, responsibility, respect, understanding and compassion for others. That is a gift that they will carry with them for the rest of their lives. Alex left a mark on each person that he touched throughout his life. A piece of him is affixed to each of us and we are better people because of him. Thank you, Alex (DAD), for being the kind of man that put others before yourself so the world could be a better place.

Public Visitation will begin at 4:00 p.m. Tuesday, January 10, 2023 at Guardian Funeral Home with a Holy Rosary to be recited at 6:30 p.m. that evening.

Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, January 11, 2023 , at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, 5830 Williams Dr. , with the Inurnment to follow at 1:00 p.m. in the Coastal Bend State Veterans Cemetery, 9974 IH 37 Access Rd.