Joel T. Ocanas, 73, of Newark, died Tuesday, October 21, 2025 at Licking Memorial Hospital. He was born July 18, 1952 in Nuevo Leon Tehran, Mexico to the late Elias and Juana (Tovar) Ocanas.

Joel enjoyed spending his free time fishing and watching Westerns on televisions. He was a family man and always looked forward to spending time with his grandchildren and nieces and nephews especially his nephew Adrian. He enjoyed cheering for the Broncos and placing friendly wagers with his nephew, Miah. He attended the Family of Faith Church. He was a constant practical joker and was a big kid at heart. He worked on oil rigs for 35 years.

He is survived by his wife, Nancy; children, Joel (Tina) Ocanas, Jason Ocanas, Jacob (Kat) Ocanas and Alyssa Keller; siblings, Jesse (Sandy) Ocanas, Israel Ocanas, Mary (Rick) Buena, Sylvia (Vic) Rivera and Sally (Gilbert) Guitterez; several grandchildren, great grandchildren; and very special nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by brothers, Joe Ocanas, Eleazar Ocanas and Danny Ocanas.

Services for Joel will be held at Heer Mortuary and Crematory in Fort Morgan, Colorado.