Mr. Jose Enrique Navarro

NAVARRO Joe Enrique Navarro, beloved husband, father, brother, grandfather, and friend, passed away on October 4th, 2010 after a courageous battle with cancer. He was preceded in death by his wife, Patricia, and is survived by his daughters Kristine Navarro McElhaney (Karl) and Jennifer Navarro Thompson (James), sisters Delia Wright, Katie Navarro, Tina Carmona, and Ceci Whetsell, brothers Mike and Agustin Navarro, and grandsons Jonathan Cervantes and Miguel Thompson. Joe was born in El Paso on July 15, 1943 to Miguel Navarro and Catalina Cena. He was a graduate of Austin High School and attended Navarro Junior College in Corsicana Texas, where he played basketball. He then began working in the family painting business, went back to school, and graduated from the University of Texas at El Paso. After UTEP he began a long teaching career at Lincoln Middle School. He last worked in the airline industry for United Airlines/Air Wisconsin. Joe had strong passion for life and was always a young man at heart. He had a laugh that could be heard from miles away. He was a true artist, an accomplished painter, a skilled handyman, a gardener, and a perfectionist. He brought those skills to bear in the home he shared with his beloved wife, Patricia, and also to his children's homes. He often worked from dusk to dawn to finish projects for his family, and he was always meticulous. There was never a time that he wasn't ready to help a family member or friend in need. Joe was athletic, competitive, and he never, ever gave up. He loved getting ready for and hosting his annual 4th of July Navarro volleyball tournament, which brought together family, friends, and neighbors. Throughout the years, he earned many of the coveted Navarro Championship t-shirts. Family was the most important thing in Joe's life, and he was most proud of the successes of his wife, his children, his brothers and sisters, and his grandchildren. Dad, we love and miss you dearly, and know that you have finally found peace. Visitation will be held on Thursday, October 7, 2010 at 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM with a Rosary at 7:00 PM at Martin Funeral Home West. Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, October 8, 2010 at 11:00 AM at St. Matthew Catholic Church, 400 W. Sunset Drive. Services entrusted to Martin Funeral Home West, 128 N. Resler Dr., El Paso, TX 79912. www.MartinFuneralHomeWest.com