Joel Olivarez

Joel Olivarez, 74, of Spearman passed away on September 3, 2026. Viewing will be on Sunday, September 6, 2026 ,1:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. and Monday September 7, 2026, 9:00 p.m.-5:00p. m... There will be a Private Family viewing on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. at Boxwell Brother Funeral Home in Spearman followed by graveside services at 11:00 a.m. at Hansford Cemetery, with Pastor Philip Hudson officiating Arrangements are under the directions of Boxwell Brothers Funeral Home Inc. of Spearman.

Joel Olivarez was born on December 31, 1951, to Jesus Olivarez and Dora Garza Olivarez in Roma-Los Saenz, Texas. Joel and Evalina Rojas were married in 1969 in Slaton, Texas. She preceded him in death in 2001.

Papa was a hardworking man who took great pride in everything he did. He worked for many years as a grain elevator operator, a job he dedicated himself to and took great pride in. When he wasn’t working at the elevator, you could usually find him welding and building things. He had a gift for working with his hands and was always willing to use that gift to make something for someone else. He was the kind of man who was always there to help others and never hesitated to lend a hand.

Papa loved the simple things in life spending time at the lake, gathering with family and friends for a cookout, playing horseshoes, and dancing. But if you knew Papa, you knew how much he loved Christmas. Christmas wasn’t just a holiday to him; it was a feeling he carried with him all year long. It didn’t matter if it was the middle of summer Papa would still be playing Christmas music. That was just Papa, and it’s one of the many little things about him that those who loved him will always remember.

He is preceded in death by his parents, wife, daughter, Rosa Vasquez, brothers Noel and Timoteo, sisters, Maria Cole and Estella Arjona and infant granddaughter Kaysha.

He is survived by his sister Gloria and husband Raul Sanchez of Marietta, OK. Brother Joe Olivarez of Waka, TX. granddaughters, Ashley Vasquez and husband Dylan Gaytan of Booker, TX., and Britani Vasquez of Amarillo; and one son-in-law, Israel Vasquez. He is also survived by 6 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

Family suggests memorial be to one’s favorite charity.