Jose Guzman Jr.

The Lord called Jose “Joe” Guzman, Jr., age 91, of Corpus Christi, Texas, to his eternal home surrounded by his loving wife, Ofelia, and dear family.

Born in Yturria, TX, and attending school in Sarita, his family later moved to Corpus Christi. Joe joined the US Army and proudly served his country during the Korean Conflict from 1948-1952; stationed in Germany until he was honorably discharged. He met the love of his life and soulmate, Ofelia Trujillo, in 1954, and were married on September 11, 1956.

For 18 years Joe worked at PPG Chemical Division. Later, he worked for 18 years at Corpus Christi Army Depot as a Helicopter Rotor Head Mechanic until his retirement in 1992. Joe accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior in 1955 and became a very active member of El Divino Salvador Presbyterian Church. There he served as elder and held various positions. In 1999, he served as a Commissioned Lay Pastor for 6 years. He could always be depended upon for prayers, hospital and home visits day or night. He loved to read, study and meditate on the Holy Scriptures and several times read the Bible cover to cover.

He enjoyed wonderful times with family and friends at special gatherings. He and Ofelia traveled to Bandera, TX, in the Hill Country they called “God’s Country.” His pastimes were spent birdwatching and watching westerns, especially John Wayne.

Upon retirement from CCAD, he went on to serve his community volunteering at Loaves & Fishes for 13 years. He later volunteered at the Broadmoor and Lindale Senior Centers and was a long time member of the City RSVP Program. For many years he participated with the “Singing for Christ” ministry that ministered in song and visits to all the Corpus Christi Nursing Homes.

He is preceded in death by his father, Jose Guzman, mother, Angelita Guzman, sisters Mary G. Gomez and Guadalupe (Lupita) Guzman; brothers Francisco and Julian Guzman.

Left to mourn his passing are his wife of nearly 65 years, Ofelia T. Guzman, daughter Rachel G. Reyes (Tony); two grandsons, Aaron Anthony and Joshua James Reyes; two brothers, Antonio (Mary) and Jesse Guzman. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, great neighbors and numerous friends.

Visitation will be at Memory Gardens Funeral Home on Sunday, August 8, at 5:00 p.m. with a Celebration of Life Service to begin at 6:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held on Monday, August 9 with visitation at 12:00 p.m. and Funeral service to begin at 2:00 p.m. Interment to follow at the Mausoleum with full military honors. Pallbearers will be Aaron Reyes, Joshua Reyes, Ron Guzman, Arnold Guzman, Mario Gomez and Frank Guzman, Jr. Honorary pallbearers will be Andy Anzaldua and Ephraim Leos, Jr.

The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to the Veteran's Administration and Del Cielo Home Health and Hospice Care who provided exceptional care. Also grateful to his daughter, Rachel, brother Tony Guzman, sister-in-law Mary Jane Guzman and his lovely nieces, Minnie Gonzales and Miriam Tellez who were all at his side morning and night.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Mission 911, P. O. Box 3157, Corpus Christi, TX, 78404 and/or El Divino Salvador Presbyterian Church Building Fund, P. O. Box 7671, Corpus Christi, TX, 78467.

Reception to follow at El Divino Salvador Presbyterian Church Fellowship Hall at 2230 Belton St. All are welcome to continue honoring Joe’s memory.