Hector Antone Rochin passed away of natural causes on September 2, 2022 at the age of 98, in Waco, Texas. He is survived by his cherished fiancée of many years, Jean Cymerman and his sister, Rosie Rochin of Phoenix, Arizona. He had four beloved children from his marriage with Elizabeth Rochin Momper who is deceased: a son, Bradley Rochin of Lancaster, Ohio and daughters, Beverly Swatzell, husband David of Colleyville, Texas, Nancy Cummings, husband Stuart of Euless, Texas, and Bryanna Currie, husband Bobby of Grapevine, Texas. Additionally, he had five grandchildren: Kim Heilig, husband Tim of Murrells Inlet, South Carolina, Kurt Rogers of Ft. Worth, Texas, Bryan and Brenna Currie of Grapevine, Texas, and Lee Cummings of Euless, Texas. As well as Jean’s children: Catherine Trujillo and her husband Lee, Elizabeth Appelman, Mary Bauer and her husband Jeff, Susan Clifton and her husband Scott, Joseph Cymerman, Jr. and fiancée Jhoanah Lalime.

Hector was predeceased by his parents, Hector Clement Rochin and Labrado Loreto Rochin, as well as two younger brothers: Mario Rochin and Carlie Rochin. He had many nieces and nephews but was especially close with Joey Rochin of Hardin, Montana, and Michael Rochin of Tucson, Arizona.

Hector was born in 1923 in Agua Prieta, Sonora, Mexico and lived his entire life in the United States. He was devoted to his parents and had a very strong Catholic upbringing. He excelled in school, automatically advancing from third to fifth grade. An American patriot, he earned his United States citizenship by serving in World War II (WWII) as an Army Ranger of the 86th Airborne Division. He was part of Merrill’s Marauders in the China-Burma-India (CBI) campaign. He returned from WWII and was a member of the Longhorn Band at the University of Texas at Austin. Later he attended the University of Texas at El Paso where he received a degree in Mining and Civil Engineering. A certification in Aeronautical Engineering was added to his educational pedigree. He worked for many prestigious companies including Boeing, LTV, Pan American, Exxon, and NASA in Houston Texas.

Hector’s experience in the Army prompted his passionate support of the U.S. military. He was an active member of the VFW and the USO. He loved travel adventures and learning about other cultures.

Hector had an insatiable appetite for learning everything, but especially foreign languages. He spoke five languages fluently. He also had a gift for design and drawing, using calligraphy on every letter and card he wrote. One of his biggest hobbies was woodwork and he could be found working in the garage daily on something new.

Hector was a loving and supportive father, but being a grandfather was the ultimate. He adored each of his grandchildren and took significant pleasure in them. He never missed a chance to see his grandchildren and loved watching his grandsons play football. Throughout his life, Hector was a devout Catholic and instilled the love of God and His son Jesus in his family and friends, alike!

He will be missed by many!

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial gifts be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at www.stjude.org.

The family wishes to express their gratitude to Hector’s caregivers: Stephanie Haywood and Barbara Crasto for the love and tender care shown to Hector and the support to Jean.