El Paso Times Obits

Let’s be honest. When you think “obituaries,” you probably picture dusty old newspapers and sad black borders. But the El Paso Times obits? They’re a whole different vibe. These aren’t just goodbye notes—they’re tiny, wild life stories.

The Quirkiest Details You’ll Ever Read

You might scroll past “beloved aunt” and “died peacefully.” But keep reading. One obit might mention a passion for competitive bingo and winning a giant stuffed giraffe. Another will casually drop that someone “loved blasting mariachi music at 6 AM.”

It gets weirder. Some entries list favorite burrito joints or mention a lifelong hatred of yard work. El Pasoans don’t hold back. They’ll tell you grandpa was a horrible dancer who never missed a cumbia party.

One recent obituary celebrated a man who “never met a dog he didn’t like, or a bad joke he didn’t tell.” It’s like reading a friend’s wild Facebook post, not a formal death notice.

Why They’re So Unforgettable

El Paso sits right on the border with Mexico. So these obits mix two cultures in a beautiful, messy way. You’ll see phrases like “que en paz descanse” right next to “she loved nachos from Chico’s Tacos.”

Many write in both English and Spanish in the same sentence. One said: “He was a puro El Pasoan who loved the sunsets and his 1967 Chevy.” That’s soul, not just a summary.

The paper even lets people add color photos. So you’ll see a grinning man in a sombrero at a rodeo, or a lady in a leopard-print dress holding a chihuahua. These are real people, not just names.

See photos from El Paso police Chief Greg Allen's funeral service

The Best Parts Are the Small Jokes

Humor sneaks in everywhere. One family wrote their dad “finally learned to use the TV remote after 40 years.” Another added: “No flowers, please—she thought tulips looked sad.”

Pets get shout-outs. “He was survived by his cat, Mr. Pickles, who is very confused.” That’s a level of honesty you don’t expect. It’s playful, even in grief.

Some obits include regrets for things like “never learning to cook spaghetti” or “singing off-key at every party.” It’s oddly heartwarming to read someone’s total honesty.

Why You Should Actually Read Them

These obituaries are history you can laugh with. They show you what El Paso really values: tacos, family, loud music, and a good laugh at yourself. You learn more about the city in three obits than in a whole travel guide.

Lourdes (Grandma) Jones Obituary - El Paso Times

Think of it like eavesdropping at a family reunion. Someone will say “Aunt Rita once threw a shoe at a piñata vendor.” That’s the gold buried in these columns.

You don’t have to be sad. Just curious. The El Paso Times obits prove that even endings can have spicy punchlines and a whole lot of love.

Go Ahead—Search One Up

I dare you. Open the obits page on a slow afternoon. Pick a name you don’t know. Read the first three lines. I bet you’ll find a mention of quinceañera dances, a beloved pickup truck, or a secret recipe for green chile stew.

These aren’t the boring obits your grandma warned you about. They’re a party on paper. El Paso knows how to say goodbye with a wink and a salsa beat.

So next time someone says “obituaries are depressing,” just smile. You now know the secret: sometimes, the best stories are told at the very end.