Joe Sonchar, 97, left this world peacefully at home, on April 28, 2024, to be united with his Lord as well as his loving wife, Evelyn. He was born March 12th, 1927 in Sugarite, New Mexico to Joe and Annie Sonchar. A coal mining family, they later relocated to Raton, where Joe lived for the remainder of his life.
He married his wife Evelyn on June 10th, 1950, and had two sons: Buddy Sonchar and Wayne Sonchar. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Evelyn Sonchar, brother Donald Sonchar, sister Anne Wiseman, and grandson Brett Sonchar.
He is survived by son Buddy Sonchar and wife JoAnn, son Wayne Sonchar and wife Shelly. Grandchildren Nicole Sonchar, Dr. Christie Sonchar, Curtis Sonchar (Kassy), Candice Brannan (Patrick), Heather Kennedy (Michael), and Kristen Muñoz (Andrew). He is also survived by 11 great-grandchildren and brother-in-law, Alfred Wiseman.
Joe served in the Merchant Marines and the National Guard and founded Sonchar Coal Co. and various BTU companies with his wife, Evelyn. They were later joined in the business by their sons and daughters-in-law and formed BTU Block & Concrete. BTU has continued to serve the northeastern New Mexico area for over 58 years. He had a profound faith in Jesus and was a member of St. Patrick’s/St. Joseph’s Catholic Parish.
Joe’s services will be held Tuesday, May 7th at 11:00 am at St. Patrick’s/St. Joseph’s Catholic Church beginning with the Most Holy Rosary followed by the Solemn Mass Of The Resurrection. Father Bill Woytavich will be the Celebrant. He will be laid to rest at Mt. Calvary Cemetery. The reception will be at the St. Patrick’s/St. Joseph’s parish hall.
Pall bearers will be Nicole Sonchar, Dr. Christie Sonchar, Curtis Sonchar, Candice Brannan, Heather Kennedy, and Kristen Muñoz. Honorary pallbearers are Sean Green, Patrick Brannan, Michael Kennedy, and Andrew Muñoz.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made in Joe’s memory to the Mt Calvary Cemetery Fund, St Jude’s Children’s Hospital, or the charity of your choice.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Alderette-Pomeroy Funeral Home
The Sonchar family would like to recognize and thank Joe’s caregivers Edna Sandoval, Edith Garrett, and Gloria Sanchez for their excellent and loving care over the last two years.
