Mr. Joseph Lawrence Monette Jr.

Joseph “Joe” L. Monette Jr. was born on July 20, 1948, to the late Audrey M. Monette and Joseph L. Monette Sr. On July 31, 2026, at the age of 78, Joe departed this life and went home to be with the Lord, reuniting with his beloved parents who preceded him in death.

Joe lived a life marked by faithfulness, dedication, and quiet strength. For 40 years, he built a long and distinguished career with Union Pacific Railroad, demonstrating the same steadfastness and commitment in his work that he carried throughout his life.

His faith was an important part of who he was. For more than 30 years, Joe was a faithful member of New Light Church in Houston, Texas. He served as an usher and participated in other ministries throughout the years, generously giving his time in service to his church and church family.

On June 14, 1997, Joe married his beloved wife, Diane Monette. Together, they shared 29 years of marriage and built a life surrounded by family, faith, and love. Through their marriage, Joe embraced a family that grew to include children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and generations of loved ones.

Joe leaves to cherish his memory his devoted wife, Diane Monette; her sons, Stephen Moses and Rodney Adegbenro, and Rodney’s wife, Maria Adegbenro; his grandchildren, Stephen Moses III, Kiana Moses, Raymond Moses, Sierra Moses, Christopher Adegbenro, and Isabella Adegbenro.

He is also survived by his sister, Lillian Thomas; his niece, Lawanda Wills McClendon, and her sons, Henry Wills, Joshua Wills, and Joseph Wills; his sister-in-law, Joyce Fonteneaux; her sons, Joseph Fonteneaux and his wife, Cynthia, Terence Fonteneaux, and Kaleb Fonteneaux; and Joseph and Cynthia’s sons, Jonathan Fonteneaux, Christopher Fonteneaux, and William Fonteneaux. Joe also leaves behind a host of extended family members, church family, friends, and loved ones whose lives were touched by his presence.

Joe will be remembered as a steady force in the lives of those around him—a man whose strength was demonstrated not only in the years he lived, but in the commitments he kept: to his wife, his family, his work, his church, and his faith.

Though his earthly journey has come to an end, the life Joe lived and the memories he created remain with those who loved him. His family takes comfort in knowing that after a life of faithful service, Joe has gone home to be with the Lord and has been reunited with his parents, Audrey M. Monette and Joseph L. Monette Sr.

His presence will be deeply missed, his memory lovingly cherished, and his legacy carried forward by the family and community he leaves behind.