Joe Jesse De La Torre Jr.

Joe is survived by his wife of 40 years, Patricia Ann De La Torre; son, Ronnie Joe De La Torre wife Cory; daughter, Deborah Gene Shoemake; daughter, Kelli Dianne De La Torre-Castillo her wife Roxana; grandson, Joe Jesse (Trey) De La Torre, III; granddaughter, Reagan Maryn Spivey and husband Ryan; grandson, Jesse Eugene Shoemake and Ryder Luke Nichols; granddaughter, Justice Rayne Nichols; grandson, Benjamin Alexander De La Torre-Castillo; great grandsons, Joel Douglas-Trawick De La Torre and Landon Kyler De La Torre; great granddaughter, Serena Grace Shoemake; great grandsons, Wyatt Lee De La Torre and Graham Thomas Spivey. Joe also has many nieces and nephews.

Joe was proceeded in death by first wife Winona De La Torre who he was married to from 1953 to 1981; his father, Jesus De La Torre; mother, Celia Gloria; sisters, Celia Polanco and Olivia Garza; brother, David De La Torre; daughter, Kimberly Jo Granier; son, Larry De La Torre.

Joe was best known for being a decorated hero in the US Air Force, serving on many special and secret missions and saving countless lives. After 20 years of service, he retired as a Lt. Colonel in the US Air Force. After retirement, his family settled in Houston where he was General Manager of National Vinegar for many years. Joe was known for his unassuming humor and his famous sayings. Some of them were “Don’t worry about it beep beep”, “Ain’t that something”, and "You don't know beans". Joe would go on to receive his Associates Degree from East Texas State College Commerce Bachelor’s degree from Texas A&M.

He had many hobbies including bowling which he absolutely loved to do and won countless trophies. He loved to work in the yard, jog, and go to the gym. Joe loved to cook and enjoyed watching Ancient Aliens. He also played softball and was actually a pitcher for both the ROTC and later the US Air Force.

Joe is loved and will be missed by many.