Manuel Munoz Ochoa

On the evening of December 26, 2025, Manuel Ochoa Jr., 61, peacefully went to be with the Lord, surrounded by his beloved family. Manuel was born on July 31, 1964, in Taylor, Texas, to the late Rev. Manuel and Susie Ochoa Sr.

A professional painter by trade, Manuel was a man of many passions. He enjoyed being surrounded by his family, especially his children and grandchildren. He was a member of Living Hope Church in Hutto, where he proudly served in the church band as the bass guitar player. He had a deep love for all genres of music, dancing, and often found playing his bass guitar. He also took great pride in his appearance, frequently seen in his signature western attire.

Manuel fought a courageous four-year battle with cancer. Though he never gave up, he was ready to reunite with the loved ones who passed before him. He was preceded in death by his parents, Rev. Manuel and Susie Ochoa Sr.; his brother-in-law, Phillip Martinez Jr.; his nephews, Danny Martinez and Jay Ochoa; and his great-nephew, Josiah Ochoa. He is also reunited with his mother-in-law, Rosalie Cisneros Gonzalez; his wife’s grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Trinidad and Caroline Cisneros and Cuco Cisneros; and his former father-in-law, Homero Patino.

Manuel’s memory will be cherished by his wife, Patricia Pantoja Ochoa; his two sons, Adrian Manuel Ochoa and Derek Joshua Ochoa; and his daughter, Karen Diane Ochoa. He was a proud and adoring grandfather to Noah, Shae, Daniel, Abraham, Hailey, and Analicia, and a great-grandfather to Juliana and new baby girl to come.

He is also survived by his five siblings: sisters Magdalena Martinez (the late Phillip) of Taylor and Amanda Vega (Chris) of Jarrell; and brothers Eliseo Ochoa (Mary) of Temple, David Ochoa (Elizabeth) of Taylor, and Elias Ochoa (Mary) of San Antonio. Manuel leaves behind 10 nieces, 7 nephews, and a large, loving extended family of great and great-great-nieces and nephews.