Julian Ocanaz

Julian Ocanaz, Walla Walla, passed away at his home on Feb. 22, 2016, at the age of 85 in the presence of his family.
Julian showed unimaginable strength and tremendous heart up until his last breath. He will be missed
by all who were lucky enough to know him and his contagious smile.
Julian Ocanaz was born on July 19, 1930, in Lasara, Texas, to Luis and Lucia Ocanaz. Julian was
married to the love of his life, Teodora Martinez, on Sept. 6, 1950, in Warden, Texas, where they made a life together until 1956, when they relocated to Walla Walla. Julian began working for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers as a maintenance worker in 1974, and retired after 20 years of dedicated service. Julian enjoyed watching his Dallas Cowboys play each Sunday and watching his favorite wrestlers go toe-to-toe in the ring. Julian and Teodora Ocanaz were married
for almost 60 years at the time of Teodora’s death in 2010. Julian was an amazing husband, father, grandfather and friend to all he knew and enriched the lives of many. His sense of humor and magnetic smile could change the course of your day without effort.
Julian was the leader, the guidance, the support, the sense of humor and the pillar of his family; he will be sorely missed by all. Julian and Teodora have now been reunited in Heaven, where they belong — together for eternity. They both will remain forever in the hearts of their family, until we meet again.
Julian is survived by seven children (four sons and three daughters), Luis and Debra Ocanaz, Manuel
and Nelda Ocanaz, Domingo and Judy Ocanaz, Maria and Santos Garcia, Lupe Ocanaz and Ramon Ocanaz, all of Walla Walla and Rosie and Rick McEvoy of Milton Freewater. Julian left behind 16 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren who loved him dearly.
Viewing and visitation will be on Tuesday, March 1, 2016, from 10 a.m. until after the Rosary. Rosary will be on Tuesday, March 1, 2016, at 6 p.m., at the Herring Groseclose Funeral Home. A funeral Mass will be held Wednesday, March 2, 2016, at 2 p.m., at St. Patrick Catholic Church.
Memorial contributions may be made to Walla Walla Community Hospice or American Cancer Society through the Herring Groseclose Funeral Home.
Friends and family are invited to sign the online guest book at www.herringgroseclose.com.