Joseph L. "Joe Sam" Samaniego

Joe was born in El Paso, TX on July 2, 1947, as the eldest of seven children to Guadalupe and Jose Luis Samaniego. Throughout his early childhood years and as he grew up, Joe was also known as “Tato” to all his closest friends and family.

After graduating from Jesuit High School in El Paso, TX, Joe enlisted in the United States Army, where he proudly served his country as an “11 Bravo Infantry” - Machine Gunner - during the Vietnam War from 1967 – 1969. He was quickly promoted to the rank of E-6 Staff Sargent as a result of heroic and selfless acts during several military operations that awarded him several medals for “heroism in action,” including the Silver Star, two Bronze Stars, the Purple Heart, and several other military commendations. Joe served with the 1st Battalion (Airborne), 12th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile).

Shortly after the war, “Joe Sam” went on to finish college at the University of Texas at El Paso and started his long and dedicated career in the beverage industry, where he worked in many sales positions for Coors Brewing Company. He first worked in El Paso with Coors Dickshire Distributors and then moved on to San Antonio, TX, where he worked as a General Manager for River City Coors Distributors. He then completed his long and rewarding career by moving to Houston, TX, where he worked as Regional Marketing Director for the Coors Brewing Company of Golden, Colorado.

“Joe Sam” was larger than life. He owned, loved and cared for horses and volunteered endless hours with the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. He was a devoted member of several charitable organizations, including the Hold ‘Em and Hit ‘Em Club. He and his wife, Rose, sponsored the Cinco Star Cookers BBQ cooking team, and he served as a “Trail Boss” with the Mission Trail Riders. In addition to his time with these organizations, Joe actively participated and supported various veteran organizations in the Fort Bend/Brazoria/Harris County area.

During his retirement, you could always find Joe cheering on his favorite teams: the Dallas Cowboys, the Houston Astros and the Texas Longhorns. He loved hosting gatherings for family and friends and spending quality time with his grandkids. They enjoyed trips to Mexico and Galveston, camping at Jellystone Park and swimming at Grandpa and Grandma’s.

Joe is survived by his wife, Rose Mary Samaniego; son Michael Samaniego, and wife Brandy, of Austin; son Adrian Samaniego, and wife Michele, of Missouri City; son Aaron Samaniego, and wife Megan, of Austin; daughter Laura Meza, and husband Santos, of Houston; son Gene Anthony Gonzales, of Houston; and seven grandchildren, Mackenzie, Gavin, Bryce, Arianna, Alanah, Clara and Sebastian. He is also survived by his sister Margie Trimble, and husband David, of Austin; sister Lupe “Lulu” Wuth, and husband Al, of Denver; brother Ramon Samaniego, and wife, Concepcion “Concha”, of Palm View; brother Xavier Samaniego, and wife, Dolores, of San Antonio; brother Ralph Samaniego, and wife Amber, of San Antonio; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews who saw Uncle Joe as their mischievous and fun loving uncle.

"Joe Sam" was preceded in death by his father Jose Luis Samaniego and mother Guadalupe Samaniego; and sister, Connie Krant, and husband Bill, of San Antonio.

A visitation will be held Tuesday, December 1, 2020, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Funeraria Del Angel Crespo, 2516 Navigation Blvd, Houston, Texas 77003. A rosary will be prayed Tuesday at 6:00 PM. A funeral service will occur Wednesday, December 2, 2020, from 12:00 PM to 12:30 PM. Immediately following the funeral, Committal Service will occur Wednesday, December 2, 2020 at 1:30 pm at Houston National Cemetery, where he will be interred with full military honors.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Veterans of Foreign Wars (www.vfw.org), Hold ‘Em and Hit ‘Em Club (www.hhclub.org), or Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo (www.rodeohouston.com).