Pancho Loza

Jose Jesus Loza, Jr., favorably known as Pancho or Messy Panocha, passed away on Thursday, October 29, 2020, at the age of 53. Pancho was born on December 21, 1966, in San Jose, California. He was a graduate of Amarillo College, where he majored in music and sang in the college choir. He also graduated from Dumas High School where he played in the marching band. After college he moved to Dallas where he continued a successful career in the restaurant industry dazzling the clientele as only he knew how at many upscale establishments such as The Black-eyed Pea, Mainstream Fish House, La Hacienda Ranch, Neighborhood Services, and Patrizio’s among others. He met the love of his life, Larry Harrell, in Houston in 1998. They were married in San Francisco on Oct. 3, 2008. They enjoyed performing in and attending charity shows in the Dallas area as well as spending time with friends at favorite local watering holes such as The Hidden Door and The Dallas Eagle. The only thing bigger than Messy’s hair was her heart. Messy had a heart, and talent, for philanthropy and performing. She was able to combine these two passions through her involvement in the United Court of the Lone Star Empire (UCLSE) as well as many other endeavors to help the LGBT community and those in need. She was elected Empress XXXVIII of UCLSE in 2012. During that year Messy & Larry, as Emperor, helped raise more than $85,000 for charity. Messy, Larry and some of their closest friends have combined to help raise easily several hundred thousand dollars for those in need, with the AIDS Information Network being among her very favorites. Pancho lived and loved life fully. He never met a stranger. His infectious positivity was an inner light that emanated to all those around him…or maybe that was just the glitter (or both?). Among his loves were music, movies, and science fiction (especially Star Trek). Pancho was preceded in death by his parents, Jose and Esther Loza; one sister, Kathy; and his beloved toy fox terrier, Napoleon Bone-a-part. He is survived by his loving husband, Larry Harrell; his brothers, Gabriel, Ray, and Jimmy; his sisters, Gloria, Carmen, and Julie; and many nephews & nieces. FOLLOWING ALL COVID-19 GUIDELINES: The family will receive friends in the Chapel of West/Hurtt Funeral Home on Friday, Nov. 6, 2020 from 9:45 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. followed by what shall be a most memorable funeral service beginning at 10:45 a.m. with Rev. Wayne Davis, hosting. A first come, first seated policy will be in place until allowable capacity is reached. The service will end promptly at 11:45 a.m. in order to depart for the Graveside Service at 12:30 p.m. at the Dallas/Ft. Worth National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the AIDS Information Network (AINDallas.org). To borrow from Captain Kirk, while Messy did not live as long as many of us wished, she most definitely prospered. She is now off to explore the final frontier. We will always love and miss you dearly. Glitter kisses to you, Messy. Those honored to be serving as pallbearers will be Joe Loza, Ray Loza, Gabriel Loza, Don Jenkins, Calvin Cunningham and Dan Oldenburg.