He was born in Gobernador, New Mexico on March 9, 1936 and lived in Arboles, Colorado for most of his childhood. Joe joined the United States Air Force in 1954 and proudly served until 1977, retiring at Williams Air Force Base in Arizona. The family settled in Chandler, Arizona where he resided until his death.
Following his retirement from the United States Air Force, Joe was employed by the State of Arizona Department of Economic Security. He subsequently retired from the state in 2005.
Joe married Elsie Santistevan on April 14, 1958. They welcomed three children while traveling all over the world with the US Air Force. He leaves behind his children; Elaine (Brad) Morse, Linda (Larry) Schemmel and Jim (Teresa) Fernandez as well as 11 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his wife Elsie, his parents Tony and Rosa Fernandez, sister Caroline Martinez, and brothers Edward and Larry Fernandez. He is survived by his sister Maria (Leon) Drew.
A celebration of life with visitation for Jose will be held starting at 9:00 AM on Thursday, December 19, 2024 at Valley of the Sun Mortuary and Cemetery with a graveside service with full military honors following in the cemetery: 10940 E Chandler Heights Road, Chandler, Arizona 85248.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Joe's memory may be made to DAV: Disabled American Veterans: https://www.dav.org/ways-to-give/.
