Ignacio Elias Hinojosa

With hearts full of gratitude and sorrow, we announce our Heavenly Father called our beloved Ignacio "Nacho" Elias Hinojosa, welcoming him into His eternal and loving embrace. Ignacio passed away peacefully at his home in Tucson, Arizona, surrounded by his loving family on August 11, 2026, at 5:05 P.M. at the age of 80, leaving behind a legacy of courage, devotion to family, and service to his country. Ignacio was born to Miguel Hinojosa and Emma Vela Hinojosa on November 18, 1945, in Hebbronville, Texas. He was the youngest of four children. He loved nature and being outdoors. He liked to fish and sit in the quiet with hot coffee from his thermos. He liked camping and campfires with family and friends. He had an eagle eye for spotting animals in the brush. On road trips he was mesmerized by the scenery. The sky, the mountains, the desert, the vegetation and animals. He also liked to tinker with classic cars and could name the year, make and model of them while driving down the street and then share a story of time gone by. He liked action movies, Fritos and never passed up a glazed donut. At the age of 19, he enlisted to proudly serve in the United States Marine Corps. He served as a Sergeant with Company C, 1st Battalion, 1st Marines, 1st Marine Division in the Vietnam War. On December 20, 1966, he was wounded in combat. His courage and sacrifice were recognized with the Purple Heart and numerous other acknowledgements. Together, his decorations stand as lasting recognition of his courage, sacrifice, and honorable service as a United States Marine. OORAH!

On June 6, 1970, Ignacio married Maria Elena Zapien. Together they shared 56 years of marriage, building a life and family that became his greatest and most enduring legacy. He was preceded in death by his parents, Miguel Hinojosa and Emma Vela Hinojosa, and his brothers, Anibal Hinojosa and Miguel (Mike) Hinojosa Jr. Ignacio is survived by his wife, Maria Elena Hinojosa; his son, Marcus Hinojosa (Sandra) and their children, Marcus Adam (Vianna), Miranda, and Ryan; his daughter Grace (Jose Gomez) and their children, Alexandro, Cristian, Nicolas, and Estevan. He was blessed to see his family grow through another generation and is also survived by his great-grandchildren, Liam, Amara, Adam, Ezra, and Ari. Ignacio is also survived by his sister, Elma (Nena) Barrera; his nieces, Terri Duque and Cathy Barrera, Lydia Cavazos and Carmena Barrera; and his nephews, Arturo Barrera Jr., George Barrera, Michael Joe Hinojosa, Oscar David Hinojosa, and John Carlo Hinojosa. Ignacio will be laid to rest at Holy Hope Cemetery, in Tucson, Arizona with full military honors.

Nacho, your earthly joumey has ended, but the love you gave us will remain in our hearts forever. We will miss your presence, your strength, your stories, your sense of humor and the love you so freely gave to your family. Though our hearts are heavy, our faith gives us comfort in knowing that our Heavenly Father has called you home and welcomed you into His etermal embrace. Until the day we are reunited, may you rest peacefully in the overwhelming love of God, surounded by His grace and everlasting light. 

Ignacio "Nacho" Hinojosa's Services Monday, August 24. 2026 Martinez Funeral Chapel, 2580 S. 6th Ave. Tucson, AZ 85713 Viewing 5:00-8:00 *Marine Corps Death Watch* Rosary 6:00-7:00 Tuesday, August 25. 2026 Martinez Funeral Chapel, 2580 S 6th Ave., Tucson, AZ 95713 Viewing 8:30 AM - 10:00 AM Procession to Santa Cruz Catholic Church 10:30 AM Santa Cruz Catholic Church, 1220 S. 6th Ave., Tucson, AZ 85713 Mass 11:00 AM; Procession to Holy Hope Cemetery Holy Hope Cemetery, 3555 N. Oracle Rd., Tucson, AZ 85705 Military Taps Ceremony

 Reception: Marine Corps League Tucson Detachment 007 216 E. 29th St., Tucson, AZ 85713 2:00 PM -5:00 PM