MIDLAND - Joe Marmolejo Cordova Sr., 72 of Midland, died peacefully in his home, with his loving family by his side on Nov. 21, 2023. He was born in Stanton on Sept. 30, 1951, to the late Pedro Carter Cordova Sr. and Lydia Evangelee Cordova.
He has been married to what they both would say, was the love of their life, Josephine Cordova for 52 years. The two were wed Dec. 27, 1971, and to that union they had five children.
He was a devout Christian, serving the Lord as a Pastor for 30 years. The last 17 years he was the pastor in Monahans at Calvario Baptist Church.
At the age of 20 he served in the US Army for two years a military police officer. He was employed by the United States Postal Service for more than 32 years. He began his career in Midland and later took a Post Master position both in Marfa and Marathon.
Known for his love of cooking, he had catered for quite a few events and was the head cook at the Baptist Encampment in Menard.
He will always be remembered as the loving Husband, Father, Grandfather, Brother, and Pastor that he was, a great man of God that loved his family, friends and church members. You couldn't say enough about him, he was the kind of guy who would give you the shirt off his back if you needed it. He will truly be missed.
Left to cherish his memories are his loving wife Josephine Cordova; son Joe Cordova Jr.; daughters Elizabeth Estrada (Daniel), Evangelee Garcia (Eric), Cynthia Nunez (Daniel), and Isabel Cordova; sisters Mary Ann Martinez and Margarita Rangel; brothers Pete Cordova Jr., Arthur Cordova, Roy Cordova, and Freddy Cordova; as well as 18 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren.
He is preceded in death by his parents Pedro Cordova and Lydia Evangelee Cordova, sisters Berlinda Aguirre and Rosie Cordova.
Visitation was Nov. 28 with an evening prayer service at Avalos-Sanchez and Thomas Funeral Home in Midland. Funeral service was Nov. 29 at Primera Iglesia Bautista in Midland with Reverend Ben Chavez officiating. Interment followed at Resthaven Memorial Park Cemetery.
Pallbearers were Daniel Estrada, Roy Cordova Sr., Daniel Nunez, Malachi Cordova, Robert Cordova, and Joe Xavier Cordova III, and honorary pallbearers were Jose Galindo, Jackson Moore, Ej Garcia, and Mason Madrid.
Funeral arrangements were under the care and direction of Avalos-Sanchez and Thomas Funeral Home. Online condolences can be made at asancheztfh.com.