Joe Gomez

Jose A. Gomez passed away at the age of 71, on May 21, 2015 after valiantly battling cancer for 2 years. Known to his loved ones and friends as Joe, he was devoted to his family and placed a high value on education, work and service.

Joe was born in Big Spring, Texas and raised in Sinton, Texas. He was the oldest of 5 children. Joe honorably served his country in the United States Army. He exemplified a persevering spirit and strong work ethic in all that he did. Joe proudly earned his Associates of Science and Business Administration degree from Austin Community College in 1975; Bachelor of Arts and Science degree from Texas State University in 2005; and Master’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies from Texas State University in 2008. Among other jobs, Joe worked for many years at the Lower Colorado Authority (LCRA) and San Marcos Electric Utility. For more than 20 years, Joe faithfully volunteered with Austin Smiles, a non-profit organization which provides reconstructive surgery to the children of central Texas and in various locations in Latin America.

Joe is preceded in death by his parents, Rafael and Nicolasa Gomez, his brothers Ralph and Raul Gomez, his sister, Esperanza Gomez and his granddaughter, Laura Victoria Gomez.

Joe is survived by his best friend, life partner and wife, Nina Gutierrez; his brother Oscar Gomez and wife Patsy, and his sister-in-law Margie Gomez. Joe was dearly loved by his 5 children: Roland Gomez, Tracie Arredondo and her husband Danny; Darren Gomez and his wife, Laura; Dianne Gomez, and Anthony Gomez. Joe was blessed to have 6 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren who tenderly called him Papo: Alec Arredondo, Arianna Gomez, Andres Gomez, Gabriel Gomez, Daniel Gomez and Isabella Gomez, along with Ian Arredondo and Abigail Arredondo.

Many will remember Joe for his friendly spirit, compassion for others, his joking manner and warm smile. He will be deeply missed by his family and friends.

A Visitation and Rosary will be held on Tuesday, May 26, 2015 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. (Rosary at 7:00 p.m.) at Cook-Walden/Forest Oaks Funeral Home. Funeral Service will be at 10:00 a.m., on Wednesday, May 27, 2015 at St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church, located at 4800 Convict Hill Rd., Austin, 78749. Interment will follow at Marble Falls City Cemetery in Marble Falls, Texas.

In Joe’s honor, memorial contributions can be made to Austin Smiles, www.austinsmiles.org