Joseph Joaquin Rey Jr.

On March 14, 2015, Joe Rey died peacefully at the age of 75. He was born on April 2, 1939, as the oldest of three children born to Joseph Rey Sr. and Luz G. House from El Paso, Texas. He also had five younger half brothers and sisters.

He was a great father, husband, friend, and role model. Aside from these descriptions, many friends would have other humorous and grandiose titles of their own to describe him. Most importantly though, he was a provider. He raised nine children and ensured that every one of them had the opportunity to pursue a higher education. He had an impeccable work ethic. During the week, he would wake up early, shower, put on his suit and tie, and go to work at his criminal defense law practice.

Joe grew up in the “Chihuahuita” neighborhood of El Paso, and he went to about 7 different high schools, and it was not due to his family moving. While some would say he was a mischievous teenager, he always made sure his Mother, little brother and sister were well taken care of.

He was always looking for a reason to travel the world, but he always made his way “Home” to El Paso. Having found his way to California as a young man for the first time, he would spend the rest of his life trying to be there as often as he could. Ultimately meeting the love of his life, Lori de Leon, herself a California native. The lovebirds were married in their favorite seaside community of La Jolla, in 1990.

His adored wife of 25 years held him in her loving arms at the moment of his passing in the comfort of his home surrounded by their youngest four children. He lived his life for family, friends, and the endless pursuit of a good time. Fortunes were made, won, lost… and made again. Hearts were won, quarrels were had, but he never tired in trying to make amends in the end.

Joe is a proud alumnus of the University of Texas at Austin, and he received his Juris Doctor from South Texas College of Law. He began his legal career as a criminal defense attorney in 1964 with his father, also a lifelong attorney, in the law firm ‘Rey and Rey’. Shortly thereafter, he opened his own law practice, where he relentlessly practiced for an astounding 51 years. Joe’s career was more than merely a job; it was his passion. Joe found so much purpose in his legal profession and always said he would work until the day he died, and he did. He made a lifelong career of criminal defense and had a commitment to American justice. It was evident by the way he feverishly fought for the rights of his clients. His love for the law, led two of his sons to follow his path and become successful defense attorneys themselves. Some would say that law, or at least the interpretation of the law, runs in the family.

Joe spent many years at the Del Mar racetrack. In fact, at one point, he was the president of the Del Mar Yacht Club. Although he loved the racetrack, his favorite hobby by far was tennis. He passed his love for tennis on to his children and spent many family vacations cheering his kids on court side.

When the chance presented itself (which it often did), Joe always kicked off a good story. Regardless of if you heard the story once or a hundred times, you couldn’t help but sit there and listen attentively. Although some minor facts of the story may have changed since the last time he told it, he always delivered it with conviction. The stories he told as well as the adventures he had, will be continuously shared for years to come.

He was survived by his wife: Lori Ann de Leon Rey, his children: Joseph Joaquin Rey III, Thomas Randolph Rey, Richard Anthony Rey, Michael Charles Rey, James Robert Rey, Acacia de Leon Rey, Cisco Danino Rey, Alexia Rene Rey, and Diego de Leon Rey, his sisters: Barbara Sanchez, Debbie Woodruff, and Lisa Rey, his brothers: David Rey, Mark Rey, and Tom Rey, his grandchildren: Ava, Jack, Max, Sophia, Chris, Brittney, Thomas, Dylan, Juliette, Kenani, and Julia.

He was predeceased by his mother: Luz G. House, his father: Joseph Rey Sr., and his brother: Charles (“Chuck”) Rey.

The Memorial Service will be held on Thursday, March 19, 2015 at 4:00 p.m., at Martin Funeral Home West, 128 N Resler Dr, El Paso, TX 79912, and will be officiated by his brother-in-law, Manuel Sanchez.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to his favorite charity, Kids Excel El Paso, and mailed to P.O. Box 920144, El Paso, TX 79902.