Joe was born January 14, 1948, in Corpus Christi to Eduardo and Eloisa (Garcia) Gutierrez. He was a 1966 graduate of Goliad High School and proudly served his country in the United States Air Force from 1968-1972. He married his sweetheart, Virginia “Ginny” Soto, on August 18, 1973, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Goliad. The couple recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. Joe retired from the U.S. Postal Service after 40 years of dedicated service.
Joe was truly a faithful servant in so many ways. Not only was he an active and loyal parishioner of Most Precious Blood Catholic Church in Corpus Christi, his trust and commitment to God was so evident by his gentle, loving, humble and patient mannerism displayed as a husband, father and grandfather. He also served as an usher, volunteered at the church’s gift shop and helped with religious education classes alongside his wife. Even when his health declined, Joe and Ginny attended Mass on a daily basis - a true testament of his strength, hope and commitment.
The greatest gift Joe gave and received was the love and compassion he had for his family, especially the love and care received by his 24/7 nurse - his devoted wife.
His joy included safely chauffeuring his grandchildren to and from school but more importantly spending time with them and creating happy memories at each and every church, school or sports event.
Joe was an avid fan of the Dallas Cowboys, San Antonio Spurs, Houston Astros and Corpus Christi Hooks. He was a member of several bowling leagues and enjoyed going on cruises and visiting casinos with Ginny and his cousins, Art and Gracie Garcia.
Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Eduardo and Eloisa Gutierrez; and his father- and mother-in-law, Salvador and Clara Soto.
He is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Virginia (Soto) Gutierrez of Corpus Christi; his two precious daughters and their husbands, Debra and Robert Morris and Rachel and Adolfo Martinez; and his beloved son, Joseph Gutierrez and Vanessa Toscano. He was also blessed with his grandchildren, AJ, Aaron, Max, Mia, Alyssa (Gabriel) Gonzalez and Abby; and great-granddaughter, Gwen.
Also mourning their brother-in-law’s sudden passing are Carolina (Theodore) Leal, Emma (Jerry) Cano and Ernest (Delia) Soto as well as numerous nieces and nephews who will miss their Uncle Joe tremendously.
A Rosary will be recited at 10 a.m. Friday, December 15, at Most Precious Blood Catholic Church with the funeral Mass celebration to follow at 10:30 a.m.
Burial at the Coastal Bend State Veterans Cemetery will be private.
