John W. Cisneros Sr.

John W. Cisneros Sr. entered into eternal rest on Friday, October 23, 2026, in El Paso, Texas. John will be remembered as a devoted husband, loving father and grandfather, faithful servant of God, and friend to so many. He lived a life marked by humility, kindness, laughter, and an unwavering love for his family. He had a special way of making people feel seen and valued, and his positive spirit left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know him.

 He moved to Odessa for a year and a half to attend Odessa Junior College, where he made the brave decision to proudly serve in the United States Navy from 1972 to 1975 aboard the USS Navasota. Following his military service, he earned a degree in Business from El Paso Community College and began a career as an optician that spanned more than 40 years. He started at TSO and continued serving others in his profession until his retirement from El Paso Eyecare in 2022. Throughout his career, he built relationships with countless people, drawing on his natural ability to connect with others and make them feel welcome. 

His faith was a constant throughout his life. An active member of the church from an early age, he faithfully served Sun Valley Baptist Church for more than 35 years as an usher and choir member. His commitment to his church reflected his deep faith, humble heart, and desire to serve others. 

Above all, John was a devoted husband who loved his wife dearly. For 49 years, they shared a beautiful life together, filled with love, companionship, and laughter. She was the light of his life, and he loved nothing more than making her laugh. They did everything together, finding happiness in each other’s company and in the simple, everyday moments they shared. Their marriage was a testament to a lifetime of love, friendship, and devotion. The love he had for her was unmistakable, and the life they built together was one of his greatest treasures. John was also a proud and loving father and grandfather. His children and grandchildren brought him tremendous joy, and he took great pride in their lives and accomplishments. He made every effort to be present, attending countless school activities and sporting events to cheer them on and show his support. Whether celebrating their successes or simply spending time together, he made sure his family knew how much they meant to him. His love and pride in them were among the greatest joys of his life. 

A true people person, John had a remarkable gift for remembering everyone's name. He made connections easily and treated people with genuine warmth and kindness. He was humble, always positive, and loved to laugh. His sense of humor and ability to bring a smile to others made time spent with him special. He approached life with an optimistic spirit and found joy in the people around him. And he was a Dallas Cowboys fan through and through, remaining loyal to his team with the enthusiasm of a true fan. 

John’s life was defined not by a desire for recognition, but by the love he gave, the relationships he nurtured, the faith he lived, and the countless ways he showed up for the people who mattered most to him. He leaves behind a legacy of devotion, kindness, humility, and laughter that will continue through his family, his church, and all those whose lives he touched. Though he will be deeply missed, the memories he created, the lessons he shared, and the love he gave will remain forever in the hearts of those who knew him. His family will carry his spirit with them always, remembering his laughter, his unwavering support, his deep faith, and the extraordinary love he had for his wife, his kids and his grandchildren. He was deeply loved, and he will never be forgotten.

 He is preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Maybelle Cisneros, and his daughter, Michelle D. KnerlGraber. He is survived by his loving wife, Clara M. Cisneros; his dearest children, Jennette Cisneros and John W. Cisneros Jr. "Johnny"; his grandchildren, Quinn Blane Hernandez, Issac Hernandez, Mackenzie Knerl, Malachi Graber, Madison Graber, Jedidiah Cisneros, Esther Cisneros, and Zephaniah Cisneros; his bonus grandchildren, Charlotte Cochrane, Logan Cochrane, Selah Cata, and Tobias Cata; and his siblings, Patsy Cisneros (Nasser) and Joy Lillian Densford (Cisneros). He is also survived by many extended family members and friends to cherish and honor his memory.

A Visitation will be held from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM, with a Prayer Service at 6:00 PM, on Monday, November 2, 2026, at Sunset Funeral Home - Northeast, 4631 Hondo Pass Dr., El Paso, TX 79904. A Funeral Service will be held at 12:30 PM on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, at Sun Valley Baptist Church, 9901 McCombs St., El Paso, TX 79924. A Graveside Service will follow at 2:30 PM at Fort Bliss National Cemetery.