Ernesto Rodriguez Ochoa Jr. was called to be with the Lord on March 16th, 2022 at the age of 80 years old with the warmth and love of his family by his side. Known to family and friends as Ernest, he was a husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend to many.

Born December 18th, 1941 in San Antonio, TX, to Ernesto and Aurora Ochoa, Ernest was the second oldest of nine siblings, and the eldest son. In 1959, Ernest graduated from Sidney Lanier HS where he participated in the JROTC. Shortly after graduating at the age of 17, he enlisted into the United States Army in June of 1959. Ernest went on to serve 8 years in the Army National Guard before going to work at Kelly Air Force Base for 34 years, 19 of those years as an engine supervisor. Throughout his career at Kelly AFB, Ernest received numerous awards and honors exhibiting his hard work and dedication to the base. After retiring from Kelly Air Force Base, Ernest "rested" a few years before returning to work as a night custodian for the San Antonio Independent School District at Smith Elementary and Longfellow Middle School until 2009.

In 1962, Ernest would meet his future wife of 54 years, Mary Lou Ochoa. They were married on July 23rd, 1966 and had two children, Elizabeth Marie Ochoa and David Phillip Ochoa. Ernest will always be remembered as a caring, loving, hardworking, family man who never questioned anyone in need of help. Ernest never missed a sports game, a recognition ceremony, birthday, graduation, and milestone of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Ernest had a passion for real estate, cars, home improvements and his proudest passion was decorating his home for Christmas. Ernest was a devoted Pittsburg Steelers fan since the 1950's which remains a family tradition and will continue to be carried on through his family's generations along with cheering on the school teams his children, grandchildren, and brothers have graduated from. His craftsmanship, creativity, and hard work was admired by his family and anyone who knew him. Ernest's charming personality made it easy to talk to him which he was known for his honest, straight to the point, sometimes sarcastic, yet funny, very true conversations.

Ernest is survived by his loving wife, Mary Lou Ochoa; daughter, Elizabeth Magallanez and husband Phillip; son, David Ochoa; grandchildren, Felicia Sandoval, Justin Sandoval, Nathaniel Magallanez, and Seth Ochoa; great-grandchildren, JayCee Sandoval, Athena Magallanez, and Madilyn Mary Campos; brothers and sisters, Diane Villarreal, Celestino Ochoa, Mary Alice Chavarria, Robert Ochoa, Gary Ochoa, Alfred Ochoa, and James Ochoa. Ernest is preceded in death by his parents Ernesto Sr. and Aurora Ochoa; and brother, Richard Ochoa.