Jose Martin Santos

He is survived by his wife, Lita, six children (Emmie, Lalaine, Ronald, Reynold, Maylyn and Alpha), 13 grandchildren, one great grandchild, and his sister, Perla, and her family. We all miss him dearly and remember him fondly.

Jose served in the US Navy and was a Vietnam War veteran. During his time in the military, he mastered his culinary skills and learned how to serve the meanest of steaks, most savory and juicy of roast beefs accompanied by rich and warming gravy, and other memorable dishes that he made for others to enjoy when family and friends gathered. After retiring from the US Navy, he married Lita in 1981 and brought the family to San Diego, California. In San Diego, Lita and Jose were moved by Jehovah's word and he was baptized as one of Jehovah's Witnesses in November 1994.

Jose was very observant of the people around him and was a man of few words to most. Not a word was wasted and the words he let go of were always filled with significance. He was a principled man with a quiet demeanor who expressed his love and care through his actions. He preferred to be a "doer" who provided support quietly behind the scenes. Despite this, Jose enjoyed his daily conversations during meals with family, especially with Lita. He had the sweetest of smiles while around her and the family. Jose also enjoyed being behind the camera to take pictures, watching sports and movies, playing his daily crossword & sudoku puzzles from the newspaper, and line dancing.

Most of all, he valued reading the Bible daily, establishing his relationship with God, and teaching others about Jehovah's word. He was able to serve as a full-time minister (regular pioneer) alongside Lita for six years. He focused on preaching Jehovah's word so that others may come to know and love Jehovah through the Bible. Jose also had the privilege to serve the congregation as a ministerial servant and the last eight years as an elder. He faithfully ran the race to the finish and serves as an example to others to rely on Jehovah for endurance to continue to run their race to the finish (2 Timothy 4:7).

"Satisfy us with your loyal love in the morning, So that we may shout joyfully and rejoice during all our days."

-Psalms 90:14