Paul G. Arocha, Jr.

Paul G. Arocha Jr. passed away on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, surrounded by loved ones following a brief battle with cancer. He was 76 years old.

Paul was born in Waco, Texas, on October 20, 1949, to Paul Arocha, Sr. and Teresa Arocha.

Music was one of Paul’s great loves. He began playing the drums at an early age, inspired by his uncle Cruz. By the time he was a teenager, he was playing with bands throughout Central Texas, most notably Sherman Evans and the Flames. His love of music stayed with him throughout his life.

Paul was endlessly curious and a man of many interests. Over the years, he worked in electronics, took classes at TSTC, and worked for H-E-B, Montgomery Ward, Sears, and Hobart. He loved working with his hands and was always interested in learning how things worked. He enjoyed camping, fishing, playing tennis, and working on classic cars. Whether it was music, a project, a new interest, or a good story, Paul enjoyed staying engaged with the world around him.

After living in California for a number of years, Paul returned to Waco in the last chapter of his life. He enjoyed reconnecting with family, rediscovering familiar places, and reminiscing about his life, music, and the Waco he remembered. Paul loved sharing stories, and those conversations became especially meaningful to those around him.

Paul was preceded in death by his parents, Paul Arocha, Sr. and Teresa Arocha; his brother, Fred Arocha; his sister, Mary Amancio, and her husband, Chon; his son, Paul David Garcia; and his brother-in-law, Geronimo Gamez.

He is survived by his wife, Christine Reynosa; his children, Carmen Walker and husband Paris, and Dennis Arocha and wife Lindy; his daughter-in-law, Laura Garcia; his siblings, Tony Arocha and wife Belinda, Steve Arocha, Sarah Gamez, Ernest Arocha and wife Alice, and Carlos Arocha and wife Laura; as well as 14 grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, and many extended family members and loved ones.

Paul will be remembered for his love of music, his curiosity, the stories he loved to tell, and the time he shared with family and those he loved.

Pallbearers will be Anthony Scott, Treaven Walker, Gavino Rodriguez, Zachary Gamez, Ralph Garcia, and Chris Amancio.

Honorary pallbearers will be Dennis Arocha, Paul David Garcia, Jr., and Steve Arocha Nelson.

Visitation will be held Thursday, September 17th from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Grace Temple Baptist Church, 3825 Bosque Blvd., Waco, Texas 76710.

On Friday, September 18th the rosary will begin at 9:30 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 2621 Bagby Ave., Waco, Texas 76711, followed by the Funeral Mass. Graveside services will follow the Mass at Oakwood Cemetery.