Dr. Jose Navarro Medrano

Born in Zaragoza, Spain, on Tuesday, the 3rd of March 1931, Jose lived a remarkable life defined by faith, perseverance, intellect, humor, and determination. From an early age, he possessed a curious mind, a gift for mechanics, and a deep desire to serve others through medicine.

After completing medical school in Zaragoza with distinction, Dr. Medrano began his medical career. Seeking greater opportunity and independence, he made the difficult decision to leave home and come to the United States for an internship in Orthopedics at Holyoke Hospital in Massachusetts. Arriving with little English, limited money, and no guarantee of success, but armed with grit, intelligence, and determination, he adapted, advanced his training, and earned the respect of his colleagues.

Jose faced significant challenges during his early years in medicine. Some were related to visa issues, while another arose from a severe latex allergy he developed. As a result, he was required to change medical specialties. After additional education and retaking his medical boards, he successfully transitioned from Orthopedics to Anesthesiology. During one of his visa struggles, rather than returning to Spain, he accepted an opportunity at Ottawa General Hospital in Canada. Jose was always grateful for that decision because it was there that he met Claudette Bonin, a gifted emergency room nurse whose warmth, steadiness, beauty, and strength captured his heart.

They were married on Saturday, the 24th of September 1966, and welcomed their twins, Michael and Marisa, in July 1970. Jose applied his belief in hard work and perseverance to every obstacle life presented, consistently turning challenges into opportunities.

Jose later returned to the United States with his young family and made Houston, Texas, his home. In 1973, he was named Associate Professor of Anesthesia at Baylor College of Medicine, and he later joined Twelve Oaks Hospital, where he spent twenty-eight years practicing medicine with skill, independence, and deep dedication to his patients.

As extraordinary as his professional accomplishments were, those who knew Jose best will remember him for far more than medicine. He was direct, intelligent, funny, determined, and generous. His family often joked, “Don’t ask Jose, unless you really want to know the truth!” because he would tell you—and they loved him for it.

He enjoyed cars, motorcycles, hunting, fishing, Sunday Mass, and, above all, the company of his family. He had a lively spirit, a sharp mind, and a wonderful sense of humor. His children and grandchildren will always remember his unique wit and memorable one-liners, but even more importantly, they will cherish his example of hard work, self-reliance, faith, and the courage to pursue one's goals without fear.

Dr. Medrano’s life was, in every sense, a dream realized. He did not allow hardship, language barriers, professional setbacks, or age to define him. Instead, he met each challenge with courage, humor, and resolve, building a life of meaning, service, and love.

The last few years of Jose’s life became more challenging following a serious fall. Through it all, his beloved wife, Claudette, devoted herself to his care, drawing upon her strength, compassion, and nursing skills to ensure that he could remain in the comfort and dignity of his own home. Her unwavering love and dedication were a blessing to Jose and a source of comfort to the entire family. The family would also like to express their heartfelt gratitude to Maria Tello for the loving care, companionship, and support she provided to Jose during this time.

Dr. Medrano is survived by his wife, Claudette Bonin Medrano; his children, Michael Joseph Medrano and his wife Stacy, Marisa Medrano Duewel and her husband Sean; his grandchildren, Parker Duewel, Julia and Clayton Duewel, Laura Lee and Cole Medrano, Camille and Benjamin Medrano, and Alexandra and Clay Anderson; his great-grandchildren, Chapman Allen Medrano, Lucille Elizabeth Medrano, William Michael Medrano, and Charles Ward Anderson; and many extended family members, colleagues, patients, and friends whose lives were touched by his wisdom, humor, and care.

A Funeral Mass is to be offered at ten o’clock in the morning, on Friday, the 19th of June, at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church, 1801 Sage Road in Houston. Immediately following, all are invited to greet the family at a reception in the Parish Life Center.

In lieu of customary remembrances, the family requests with gratitude that memorial contributions be directed to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Dr. Medrano’s memory.