Joe C. Loya 79, of Tucson, Arizona, entered into the loving arms of our Lord on August 20, 2009 at the VA hospital surrounded by his family after a courageous battle with cancer. He died as he lived with dignity and grace. He left his weary body behind, but through this process, he blessed us all with his faith, courage and wisdom. He was born February 3, 1930 in Miami, AZ to Martin and Eloise Carbajal. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army and was a Korean POW. He was preceded in death by his parents; grandmother, Maria Guerra and granddaughter, Michelle Mendez. Joe is survived by his loving and devoted wife of over 50 years, Mary L. Loya; daughters, Linda (Warren) McElyea, JoAnne Loya Gonzalez, Patricia Loya, Gina (Jose) Alvarez and Jeanette Yescas-Loya; sons, Richard Soto and Steve Loya. Also survived by 16 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; sister, Dorina Zuniga and brother, Jesus (Cynthia) Mendoza, both from CA; brother-in-law, Gilberto (Mary) Montano. Joe was a very kind, humble, and loving man who loved God, his country and his family. He will be dearly missed by every one whose lives he touched. We would like to express our gratitude to the staff and doctors at the VA Hospital and Hospice for their humanitarian care and professionalism. Visitation will be held Tuesday, August 25, 2009 from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at CARRILLO'S TUCSON MORTUARY (South Chapel), 240 S. Stone Ave., with a Rosary recited at 7:00 p.m. Mass will be offered Wednesday, August 26, 2009, 10:00 a.m. at St. Monica's Church, 212 W. Medina. Interment to follow at Holy Hope Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the VA Hospice (3601 S. 6th. Ave. Tucson, AZ 85723) in honor of our father, Joe C. Loya. Arrangements by CARRILLO'S TUCSON MORTUARY, INC. Published in the Tucson Newspapers on 8/24/2009