Frank Ochoa, Jr., 72, of China, went home Sunday, March 20, 2011, to be with his Heavenly Father.
Frank was the first born son of Frank Ochoa, Sr. and Lula Fitch; he was born on January 31, 1939, in Beaumont and had been a lifelong resident of the Beaumont/China area.
In 1956 at age 17 he met and married the love of his life, Estela Aguirre; this romance lasted for fifty-five years. Frank enlisted in the United States Armed Forces and later was honorably discharged. He worked for Jefferson County Precinct 1 and retired at the age of 58. Frank and Estela have been members of Praise Christian Center for many years.
Frank always had a smile on his face, and will be missed by so many. But our Lord sustains us by knowing that one sweet day we will have a grand family reunion in Heaven. And what a wonderful day that will be!
He is survived by his wife, Estela Ochoa of China; children, Diana Brottem and her husband Curtis of China, Alma Raley and her husband Joe F. Raley of Port Neches, Rachel Howard and her husband Ronnie of Nederland, Steven Ochoa and his wife Casey of Crystal Beach and Marlo Leviness and her husband Robbie of Lumberton; grandchildren, Crystal Jones and her husband Ricky of Nederland, Joey Brottem of China, Aaron Farrar and his wife Laura of Groves, Jeremy Brottem and his wife Crystal of China, Ashley Roye and her husband Brandon of Nederland, Kerry Raley of Port Neches, Blaine Ochoa and McKail Ochoa both of Crystal Beach, Jared Brottem of China, Seth Ochoa of Crystal Beach, Morgan Leviness and Merik Leviness both of Lumberton; great grandchildren, Trebor Stevens, Mallory Howard, Bryce Wickler, Harley Howard, Kendall Roye, Katelyn Jones, Brianna Brottem and Kenzie Roye; sisters, Dorothy Beard and her husband Gary, Carolyn McCool and Judy Fisk all of Texas City; brothers, J. B. Fitch, Jr. and his wife Cathy of Texas City and Billy Fitch; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents; and grandson, Ronnie James Howard, Jr.
The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude and appreciation to Dr. Jose Lozano for his loving care of their husband, father and grandfather. He knew how special he was to all of us. We all knew this day would come and we tried to be prepared mentally but it has been difficult. Dr. Lozano saw and felt our pain and we saw and felt his pain as he has become close to us. Dr. Lozano, you are one of God’s earthly angels. May God continue to bless you and keep you strong. We will never forget what you did for our daddy. You will always be special to our family and we want you to know that we are now here for you, should you need anything.
His funeral service will be 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, March 23, 2011, at Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont with burial to follow at China Cemetery. A gathering of his family and friends will be from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Tuesday, March 22, 2011, at Broussard’s.
