Joe was born on October 15, 1946 in Mercedes, TX to Maria Elena Villarreal and Jose Marroquin. He later moved with his siblings and parents to El Paso, TX to reside with Leah and Clarence Nay.
He graduated from Irvine high school and proudly enlisted in the United States Navy. He served for 21 years as a Petty officer 1st class Mineman and was awarded the National Service Defense Medal in 1967 after serving in the Vietnam War. He assembled and tested underwater explosive devices including launching and firing systems.
After being honorably discharged in 1970, he joined the United States Navy Reserve and retired in 1986. He traveled extensively and had fond memories of Japan, Guam, and Cuba.
He married Dolores Duran on November 20, 1984. He was self employed, purchased Tom’s Distributor in 1983, where he provided services to mom and pop stores for the City of El Paso. The company was later renamed to El Paso Snax Company where it grew into a successful vending business. The company became a Canteen Franchise in 2005, expanding into the micro market services. Both Joe and his wife have been in business for over 39 years.
His favorite hobbies included collecting exotic vehicles, coin collecting, hunting, and deep sea fishing. He had a great sense of humor, an easy-going personality, and an open-minded nature.
Joe is survived by his wife Dolores, three daughters; Jacqueline Marroquin, Sylvia Garman, and Kathy Adame, one son; Joseph Marroquin, and three grandchildren; Brandon Garman, Ian Esparza, and Antonio Zachary Sanchez.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.MartinFuneralHomeEast.com for the Marroquin family.
