Joseph Muniz

Joseph Noah Muniz, a resident of Cleveland, Oklahoma, passed from this life to his heavenly home on Wednesday morning, April 30, 2025, in Owasso, Oklahoma. Joseph was born on July 9, 1945, in Longmont, Colorado to Joseph N. and Clara (Martinez) Muniz. He was raised and received his education in Colorado. On January 31, 1964, Joseph was united in marriage to Mary Julia Martínez in Denver, CO. They met as next-door neighbors and had a marriage that lasted 60 years. His first job was as a chef at Lorretto Heights College; later he worked as a coal miner for Allen Mine at Stonewall, CO until he became disabled. He also had worked at Ponca City Public Schools. Joseph became an ordained minister in the Full Gospel Church in 1975, serving in Southern Colorado, Northern New Mexico and lastly in Ponca City, Oklahoma.

Joseph had the ability to make a relationship special by making the person he was talking with feel like they were the only person in the world that mattered at that time. He had many struggles during his life with rheumatoid arthritis, making it difficult to walk, spreading the Gospel and never accepting a paycheck for it. A man of faith and family, he had a giving heart and cared for not only his family but to those around him. He had a favorite quote: “I am a nobody telling everybody about somebody who can save anybody”. A favorite scripture was Galatians 2:20. People that had the greatest effect on his life were his Lord and savior, children, grandchildren and Becky Alvarez. Joseph loved going on a cruise with his wife, brother Ray and his wife Sharon, whom he called Karen. If you could describe him with 3 adjectives or characteristics, they would be Fun, Joyful and Loving. An avid fan of the Denver Broncos and Nuggets, he also enjoyed whittling and woodworking; he also enjoyed camping, fishing, singing, Bible studies and music, especially Shirley Ceasar and The Mighty Clouds of Joy.

Those that survive and hold many cherished memories include his wife – Mary Julia Muniz, his children Sandy and spouse Ron Cordova, Joseph and spouse Gloria Muniz, Sheri Muniz, Tim and spouse Leah Muniz, Dominic and spouse Erin Muniz, Christina Muniz, Scott Muniz, Stephanie and spouse Kuthadis LaBoy, Annie Muniz and Betty and Donnie Jones. Also surviving are his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, a son Lewis Muniz, daughter Julie Muniz; sisters – Elaine Muniz, Lydia Martinez, Hope Muniz, Cathy Muniz, Geraldine Muniz, Debbie Castillo, Tammy Pacheco, and brothers Albert and Benjamin Muniz.

A celebration of his life will be held on Tuesday, May 6th at 2:00 PM in the Cleveland Stage Centre with son Joseph N. Muniz, III and Tim Muniz officiating. Visitation will be held at the Chapman-Black Funeral Home on Monday, May 5th from noon to 7:00 PM. Arrangements and services have been entrusted to the Chapman-Black Funeral Home of Cleveland.