Joe attended San Angelo Central High School and graduated in 1970. He later went on to obtain a Certification in Aircraft Mechanics. Joe began his career with Mitsubishi Learjet a Canadian-owned aerospace manufacturer of business jets for civilian and military use based in Wichita, Kansas and San Angelo, Texas. He found his forever career as an Aircraft Mechanic contractor for Customs & Border Patrol in San Angelo, Texas where he worked for 30 years before his illness.
Joe is survived by his long-term partner, loving spouse of 38 years, Sylvia Rodriguez. Together they had two children; Stacie Valadez-Cook who resides in Manhattan, Kansas and Cory Joe Valadez of San Angelo. Two stepchildren; Bobby Ray Rodriguez and wife Dionne Rodriguez of San Angelo, Brandi Rodriguez-Gutierrez and husband Randy Gutierrez of Hobbs, New Mexico. Joe had 8 grandchildren; Robert Lopez, Bobby Ray Rodriguez Jr, Joshua Rodriguez, Maia Rodriguez, Jayden Valadez, Kloei Valadez, Zaine Valadez and Savanna Cook. Siblings; Tracy Valadez, Idalia Valadez, Lupe Villarreal, Hortencia Leyva and Rachel Martinez and numerous special nieces and nephews.
Joe had a passion and love for his family, children and grandchildren. He was an avid gun collector and enjoyed working with his hands. He will always be remembered as a hard worker, very intelligent, kind and humorous.
Open Visitation will begin at 1 p.m., Friday, November 12th, 2021 followed by a Celebration of Life Monday, November 15th, 2021 at 11 a.m. with burial to follow at Johnson’s Lawnhaven Memorial Gardens. Out of concern for everyone's safety, the family kindly asks that all attendees please wear masks and follow all COVID-19 protocols. Pallbearers will be Bobby Rodriguez, Robert Lopez, David Torres, Koby Harding, James Valadez, and Michael Molina. Honorary Pallbearers will be Zaine Valadez and Jayden Valadez.
“I’m there inside your Heart”
Right now I’m in a different place
And though we seem apart
I’m closer than I ever was,
I’m there inside your heart.
I’m with you when you greet each day
And while the sun shines bright
I’m there to share the sunsets, too
I’m with you every night.
I’m with you when the times are good
To share a laugh or two,
And if a tear should start to fall
I’ll still be there for you.
And when that day arrives
That we no longer are apart,
I’ll smile and hold you close to me,
Forever in my heart.
