Jose V. M. Lara

Jose Ventura Mozqueda Lara was born in Tampico, Mexico and lived most of his youth there. He lost his father at a very young age and ultimately was sent by his mother to live with his brother Jack Lara in East Chicago, Indiana to study and have a better opportunity in life. However at the age of 17, Joe, volunteered for the U.S Army and after basic training was sent to Vietnam for two years; 1967 and 1968. He obtained the rank of Sargent during his service in Vietnam and was a Tet Offensive Survivor by the end of his tour. After returning from Vietnam, Joe went back to school to finish High School. He would meet his beloved wife Maria; they fell in love and were married in 1974. Joe would begin his career with Shell at that time working at the terminal there in East Chicago, Indiana. Together the two began a family and had two boys, Joey and Michael. In 1980 their world was turned upside down when Maria was diagnosed with cancer. Joe and Maria decided to pack up and move down to Houston, Texas for her treatment. Joe transferred to Pasadena, Texas and began working for Shell’s East Houston Terminal while Maria worked for the Phillips 66 Company in Pasadena as well. Together they would endure her 22 year long battle with cancer until his beloved wife passed away in 2002. Through this time the Lara family would be supported by so many wonderful people who were involved in their life. Joe would work for Shell for a total of 36 years and though it was tough work, he enjoyed every minute of it and made friendships that would last a lifetime. In 2016, Joe was diagnosed with cancer and after a short battle with the disease he succumbed to his complications and went to be with his Lord and Savior and beloved wife Maria again forever. Joe and Maria are survived by their two sons Joey and Michael. The Lara Family would like to thank every single family that touched their lives and it is with the deepest gratitude that they express their sincerest appreciation to everyone whom touched their lives and their hearts.