Joseph E. Pacheco

Joseph E. Pacheco, 89, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loved ones on March 27, 2026, just 12 days after celebrating his 89th birthday, completing his journey in this life.

He was born on March 15, 1937, on his grandfather’s ranch in Amalia, New Mexico. Joe graduated from Merino High School in 1955, where he excelled in football, track, and wrestling.

Following high school, he proudly served his country in the United States Navy. He completed boot training at the Naval Training Center in Great Lakes, Illinois, and was later stationed at Naval Air Station San Diego. He served with Air Anti-Submarine Squadron 37 (VS-37), making several cruises to the Far East aboard the USS Philippine Sea. During his service, he was part of a crew operating S2F Grumman aircraft, supporting submarine detection missions. He was honorably discharged in 1960.

In August of 1959, Joe met the love of his life, Delia, at a reception in Casper. One year later, on June 18, 1960, they were married at St. Anthony’s Church, beginning a journey together that would span nearly 66 years. They built a life rooted in love, devotion, and family, raising three children along the way. Theirs was a quiet and enduring love, steady through the years, a true partnership and a shining example of what marriage can be.

After his military service, Joe returned to Wyoming and began working for Wyoming Automotive Company in Casper and Laramie. He later served as a parts manager and store manager in Glenrock.

In 1965, he was appointed by Governor Hathaway as an inspector for the Wyoming Department of Labor in the Casper office, where he was responsible for investigating wage disputes across northern Wyoming.

In 1972, Joe went to work on the Thomas F. Stroock campaign for the United States House of Representatives. Although the campaign was unsuccessful, Joe began what would become a lifelong career in the oil and gas industry with Tom Stroock. He worked as a landman in the oil and gas business for over 50 years and remained deeply committed to his work, continuing to go into the office and contribute up until the time of his passing.

Tom Stroock, a Wyoming State Legislator and later United States Ambassador to Guatemala, became an important part of Joe’s professional life. The support, care, and love shown by the Stroock family over the years has meant so much to the Pacheco family, and it is something that will be cherished always.

The family would also like to extend their deepest gratitude to the nurses and staff at Wyoming Medical Center for the compassion, care, and dignity they showed Joe. The kindness and genuine care he received was deeply felt, and it was clear how much he meant to those who cared for him. That love and compassion will never be forgotten.

Joe is survived by his beloved wife, Delia; his daughter Rebecca Simone (Brian); his sons Matthew Pacheco and Reyes Pacheco (Susie); his grandchildren Elijah, Megan, Tyler, Dominic, and Madie; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He is also survived by his siblings: John (Nora), Ernestine McConnell (Ken), Elaisista Lopez, Juanita Candelaria (Guillermo), and Elmer (Angie). Joe was the oldest of eight children and carried that role with pride throughout his life.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Casilda and Tobias Pacheco; his sister Clotilde Trujillo; his brother Frank Pacheco; and his close friends Coleman Oubre and Carroll “Buck” Barvies, whom he served alongside in the Navy.

A Rosary will be held on Monday, April 6 at 6:00 PM at Newcomer’s Funeral Home.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, April 7 at 11:00 AM, followed by a reception in O’Reilly Hall.

A Committal Service will take place on Wednesday, April 8 at 1:00 PM at Oregon Trail Cemetery, officiated by Father Ray, with full military honors.

Closing Reflection

Joe was a man of quiet strength, unwavering commitment, and deep, unconditional love. His life was centered on his family. He lived for them, provided for them, and stood beside them through everything.

He was always there for his children and grandchildren. If something broke, he was the first person they called, and somehow, he always knew how to fix it. More than that, he was someone you could count on. He never wavered when it came to his family.

He also deeply cared for Brian and Susie, holding them close as his own. They were never on the outside of the family, but fully a part of it, and he treated them with the same love, respect, and steady presence he gave to his children. In the same way he showed up for his family, he showed up for them.

His brothers and sisters meant a great deal to him. He cherished the time they spent together, summers at the lake, family barbecues and picnics, and the simple joy of sharing time, stories, and a drink or two in each other’s homes. He and his brothers and sisters also shared lunch together every Friday at the Casper Senior Center, a tradition the staff affectionately called “Pacheco Fridays.”

Joe’s sense of humor was widely known. He had a way of making people laugh and bringing light into any room he was in.

For over 60 years, Joe was a devoted member of St. Anthony’s Catholic Church, where his faith quietly guided the way he lived his life.

He will be remembered not for what he said, but for what he showed, steady love, sacrifice, and a life well lived in service to others.

To share a memory of Joe or leave a special message for the family, please visit the guestbook below.