Mr. Ysidro Reyes

On Tuesday December 6, 2011 one of America's former servicemen was called home to rest. Ysidro "Joe" Reyes 89, left this earth to reunite with his late loving wife and life companion, Emma Reyes, one day prior to the 70th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor. Joe was born May 15, 1922 in Tynin, Texas and once of age he enlisted in the Army and was one of the brave soldiers present at Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, that "date which will live in infamy." He was enlisted in the armed forces through the duration of the second World War and earned an honorable discharge in 1946. Upon returning from his selfless service as a dedicated soldier he met and married Emma Sanchez, who would be his "Mama" for the next 56 years. Joe and Emma would become the loving parents of eleven children Sylvia Placenco, Richard Lopez, Julia Rodriguez, Vivian Reyes, Ysidro Reyes Jr., Adolph Reyes, Victor Reyes, Nancy Reyes, Robert Reyes, Genie Wood, and Dena Arroyos. Joe also raised 3 of his grandchildren Victor Reyes Jr., Crystal Ann Reyes, and Julio Reyes as if they were his own. He also had 31 grandchildren, 60 great grandchildren, and even 9 great great grandchildren. To provide for his wife and children Joe settled into a long career as an oilfield mechanic and later a traveling foreman for RFK. He was such a hard working man that not even retirement could keep him from staying active and holding jobs such as a loved crossing guard for the city of Odessa and a popular door greeter for K-Mart. In 1999 while working as a crossing guard Joe was involved in an accident in which he was hit by a car as he pushed a group of children from the path of the oncoming vehicle. Even that incident could only slow "Mr. Joe" down momentarily and he was able a short time later to resume his duties as a crossing guard. He was not only a dedicated soldier and loving family man but was an avid baseball fan as well. He loved the game so much that he started and coached a team called Rio Vista that his sons played on. He went on to coach many teams and hundreds of kids but one of his life passions was his Royals teams. He loved and cared for these kids as if each were members of his family and many of them held ongoing relationships with Coach Reyes even after graduating to other teams. Joe has touched many lives and influenced many people in countless sincere ways and in the opinion of all of his closest family has lived life to the fullest and will be laid to rest next to his loving wife on Saturday December 10, 2011 with Mass being celebrated at 10am at St. Joseph's Catholic Church with Reverend Serafin Avenido officiating. Burial will follow at Ector County Cemetery Rose Hill Section. Pallbearers will be: Julio Reyes, Tyler Wood; Joe Granado Jr.; Gabriel Reyes; Victor Reyes Jr.; Vinny Reyes; Jason Reyes; Ruben Rodriguez, and Robert Jr. Reyes. Though Joe may no longer physically be with us his legacy lives on through the love and guidance he offered so many during his times as our coach, brother, grandfather and loving Dad. A Rosary will be recited at 7PM today Friday December 9,2011at Odessa Funeral Home Chapel. Services by Odessa Funeral Home.