Daniel Ochoa

Carlos Daniel Ochoa, 38, our beloved Husband, Father, Son, Brother, Uncle and Friend, entered into eternal rest on Monday, July 22, 2013. Daniel was born in Harlingen, Texas to Maria and Adolfo Ochoa Jr. Left behind to eternally treasure their memories of him are his wife, Susan Ochoa; their daughters, Celeste, Cidney, Chloe and their son Corey; mother Maria Ochoa, father Adolfo Ochoa Jr; brother Adolfo Ochoa III, sister-in-law Tammy Ochoa, niece Brianna Ochoa, and nephew David Ochoa. His mother and father-in-law, James and Charol Stafford and brother-in-law Sidney and sister-in-law Kristi Stafford.

Maria and Adolfo Ochoa Jr moved to Pasadena, TX when Daniel was 1-½ years old. He began playing sports at the age of five, getting involved in T-ball. Daniel discovered early in life his love for competitiveness. He continued to play baseball as the years went by. Then at the age of 7, he was introduced to a new sport, football. Although he was underage and undersized, he begged his parents to play with his older brother Adolfo. Pasadena Recreation League rules were overlooked to allow Daniel to play. On he and Adolfo's first day of football practice, they were given nicknames because of the difficulty of the coach pronouncing Ochoa. Since 1982, Daniel and Adolfo were referred to as Little "O" and Big "O". Although Daniel's first year of playing was uneventful, he didn't mind, since he was playing with his older brother. As he grew in size and gained more knowledge he soon became an all-star. There were many Pasadena Citizen news articles with his name included for game accomplishments. Daniel continued to play baseball and football into his jr high years at San Jacinto Intermediate, all the while building friendships along the way.

Moving on to Pasadena High School, Daniel started his first year with many familiar faces he competed with in sports. Excelling in academics and football he rejoined his older brother on varsity his junior year. Again Daniel was inserted in a role where he was less experienced and a little undersized. He had the determination and coaches confidence to compete at a varsity level. Daniel started at offensive right tackle, an important position on the line. His drive and competitiveness developed him into a formidable opponent.

Daniel's senior year left him without his brother but as a returning varsity letterman with more experience, size and strength, helping him play at a higher skill level than his opponents. He became such a valuable player, coaches started him on both sides, offense and defense. He was an offensive tackle and defensive tackle on the line. At the end of his high school football career, Daniel was voted 1st team all-district offensive tackle and 1st team all-district defensive tackle. Daniel was also awarded Houston Chronicle's Ironman 2-way player of the year. Ending his playing days in high school Daniel moved on to college for academics.

Daniel only spent two years in college and decided to begin working in the barge towing industry. Starting as a crew driver for Coastal Towing, he quickly moved up to crew dispatcher. Placing a young man in charge of many important responsibilities, he began to excel and build a solid reputation within the company. Soon enough he looked for new challenges in a new career. Prior to leaving Coastal Towing, Daniel met Susan Stafford, his future wife. And from that day on, they were inseparable.

In 2000, Daniel and Susan were married and began a family. He quickly started a family and his four children became the center of his life.

Daniel continued to further his career in the fuel industry, allowing his wife to be a stay at home mom and provide for his four beautiful children.

Along his journey through life, Daniel built strong friendships and relationships. Those who knew Daniel can't help but smile with thought of him.

Daniel left such a powerful impression with his character and personable touch. He will be sorely missed by many family and friends.

Heaven has truly gained an extraordinary individual.

"God took a walk through His garden,
He looked at how the flowers abound,
As He strolled along the blooms,
A special flower he has found.

He reached down His massive Hand,
And plucked it from all the rest,
He gazed at this special flower,
He knew it was the best."