Jose Natalio Pastrano Sr.

Jose Natalio Pastrano Sr., affectionately known as Chencho the Magic Clown, passed away on March 4, 2026. A beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, he lived a life marked by service, creativity, and joy.

Jose proudly served his country by enlisting in the United States Marines. After his military years, he discovered his true calling as an entertainer. He became a longtime member of the Jolly Joey’s clown organization, serving as its president, and was an active member of the Texas Association of Magicians. He attended clown college with the Barnum and Bailey Circus and spent more than fifty years bringing smiles to children and adults alike through magic and clowning under the beloved persona of Chencho.

He was married to his wife, Gloria (Vasquez) Pastrano, for thirty-six years. Jose was preceded in death by his parents, Cruz Pastrano Sr. and Angelina (Castillo) Pastrano; his wife, Gloria; his daughter, Beatrice Pastrano; his granddaughter, Nadia Pastrano; his brother, Cruz Pastrano Jr.; and his sister, Esperanza “Hope” (Pastrano) Puente. He is survived by his children, Malissa Ortiz (Jaime Ruiz), Maria Serna (Kevin Murray), Roxanne Lambert (Greg Lambert), Graciela Seda (Luis Seda), Jose Pastrano Jr. (Vanessa Pastrano), Michael Pastrano Sr. (Melissa Pastrano), and Veronica Pastrano (Aaron Hernandez); his sisters, Ricarda Pastrano and Maria Pastrano; eighteen grandchildren; fifteen great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Jose and his beloved character Chencho will be deeply missed by all whose lives he touched.