Jose Perez went to be with our Lord and the love of his life, Maria de la Luz Sanchez, on Valentine’s Day, February 14, 2025. He was born in Huanimaro, Guanajuato, Mexico on March 15, 1924, to parents, Ascension Perez and Maria Ramos Cabrera. He met his wife in Huanimaro, Guanajuato, where they were married on December 7, 1945. Jose and Maria later migrated to the United States, where they were blessed with nine children. Jose worked for Southern Pacific Railroad until his retirement in 1987.
Jose is preceded in death by his wife, Maria de la Luz Perez, his daughter, Myrna Perez Cantu, his infant son, Rogelio Perez, his grandson, Scott Perez, his mother and all his siblings.
He is survived by his children, George Perez, Irma (Luis) Rodriguez, Robert Perez, Rogelio (Roy) (Aida) Perez, Norma Perez, Mary (Julian) Duron, and Rose Marie (Joe) Cordaway, daughter-in-law, Julie Pemberton; grandchildren; Wendy (David) Dujardin), Robin (Steven) Whatley, Lance (Heather) Perez, Jason (Pam) Rodriguez, Vince (Debbie) Rodriguez, Maricela (Gregory) Donovan, Joshua (Sheila) Rodriguez, Melinda (Michael) Garza, Robert (Delphie) Perez Jr., Michael Perez, Philip Perez, Chantel (Javier) Cantu, Christina (Shawn) Gurka, Christopher Cordaway and Joseph (Anne) Cordaway; 42 great grandchildren and 18 great-great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
Jose loved the outdoors. While working, he would go deer hunting in West Texas with his eldest son, George, and his friends. At times, his son-in-laws would join them as well. They would always say, “what happens or what is said at the deer lease, stays at the deer lease.” After retirement, Jose loved spending time with his grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren. He also loved traveling to Mexico with his beloved wife to visit family. They would stay for months before returning to Houston. Jose and Maria had the experience of a lifetime traveling to the Holy Land, a wish Jose granted Maria.
Jose was always willing to lend a helping hand, especially if it involved being outdoors. Once he retired, you could always find him outdoors or in the garage working on something. Sometimes you would find him at the neighbors down the street helping them with whatever was needed. There was nothing he would not do for his family and friends.
Jose was a good husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, great-great grandfather, uncle, sibling, son, and friend as was evident by the turnout at his 100th birthday last March. His family was his world and will be his legacy. He will be greatly missed by all his family and all those whose lives he touched.
In lieu of flowers, remembrances can be made on behalf of Jose Perez to the Maria and Jose Perez Endowment Fund at the Houston Community College Foundation at https://www.hccsfoundation.org/MariaAndJosePerezEndowmentFund
