Jose Luis Ureña

Jose Luis Ureña, born to Eufracia Arras and Jose Jesus in El Paso Texas on October 25, 1950, has passed with his family at his side on December 1, 2017. He was a loving husband to Teresita and father to Cristobal Arras and Erica Rebecca who survive him. Jose Luis grew up in central El Paso with his parents and three brothers after his family moved from Mexico. Growing up he was a fast track sprinter and loved to spend his youth playing basketball with his friends. He attended El Paso Technical High School but transferred and graduated from Austin High School. Jose served in the United States Navy during Vietnam for four years, where through unexpected circumstances discovered his love of the ocean side. Through his service he had the opportunity to sail the Pacific Ocean from the West Coast of the United States to several countries in East and Southeast Asia.

Jose, honorably discharged, after his service, returned to El Paso where he attended The University of Texas at El Paso. He remained a strong supporter of the university and its sports programs, especially the UTEP Men's Basketball team, who he bragged are still the only Texas university to have won the men's college basketball tournament. He met his future wife Teresita on a blind date through mutual friends; they have been happily married 32 years.

Jose was first and foremost a family man; he worked hard so that his children Cristobal and Erica would have the opportunities that he did not. He was adamant that his kids would finish college and made sure to teach them important life skills along the way. Jose retired from El Paso Central Appraisal District after 24 years of service and had been spending his free time with his wife traveling to California when they could. He will always be remembered for his caring and honesty. He will live on through each of us as a loving husband, father, friend and mentor.

Family and friends are invited to visit Martin West Funeral Home on Wednesday December 6, at 5 PM to remember Jose with a Rosary starting at 7 PM. Jose Luis’ wishes were to be cremated and scattered in the Pacific, therefore this will be the only service held in El Paso. Stay in touch with family members if you would like to take the journey to San Diego California for this ceremony tentatively scheduled in the spring of 2018. In lieu of flower donations please donate to a credible charity of your choice, please use the following as references:

https://www.charitywatch.org/home

https://www.charitynavigator.org/

http://www.give.org/