Joe Almanza

Joe A. Almanza was received into the arms of our Lord, Jesus Christ, on Wednesday the 15th of April 2015 at the Riverside Rehabilitation & Health Care Center, after a lengthy illness. He was born on the 23rd of December 1926, in Austin Texas, to Jose and Perfecta Almanza. He married Anita Ancira on the 19th of April 1953 at Emmanuel United Methodist Church (EUMC) in Austin, Texas. Their marriage was blessed with three sons: Joel, James, and Jerry.

Joe Almanza was a proud veteran of World War II, and served in the Navy on the USS Pierce from 1943 to 1945, as Seaman First Class and was honorably discharged on the 18th of April, 1946.

Joe was a longtime member of EUMC where he attended with his wife Anita. He was devoted to his family and his greatest joy was his granddaughters whom he loved so much. Besides his faith, he spent many years caring for his wife Anita who was blind and due to her illness, was fed through a feeding tube. He was a steadfast and committed father who provided support to his family and his sons. He was part owner of an auto body shop in his early years, and worked at various auto places as a painter. His final job during his late years was as a school crossing guard here in Austin.

Thank you to all of the staff at the Riverside Health Center and New Century Hospice who helped care for our dad.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph & Perfecta Almanza, and brothers Albert, Matias, Johnny, Cruz Gonzalez; sisters Esther, Rebecca, Feliz, and Linda.

He is survived by his sister Mary Hernandez of California; sons, Joel Almanza, James Almanza and wife Liz, and Jerry Almanza; three granddaughters, Nikki Almanza, Melissa Almanza, and Gabriela Almanza; along with nieces and nephews.

A Christian visitation will be held on Saturday, the 18th of April 2015 from 5-7:00 PM in the evening at Cook-Walden Funeral Home, 6100 N. Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX. Services will begin at 7 PM. A service of death and resurrection will be held on Sunday, the 19th of April 2015 at 2:00 PM at Emmanuel United Methodist Church, 200 Brushy St., Austin TX. Interment will follow at Cook-Walden Capital Parks Cemetery.

We will miss you!! Praise the Lord, you are at rest!