Jose A Santos

Jose was born on September 17, 1992, to Jose A. Santos and Gloria A. Gallardo.

As a young boy he had a special way about him; meeting people was so natural. His smile always captured your attention. If it was aimed at you, you’d definitely smile back. He was an entrepreneur, always wanting to try new things. At the age of 13 he bought his first used lawnmower and the following year he purchased a John Deere mower.

He had several jobs growing up. He was a welder at Premium Machine and Tool. He spent several years at Herbruck’s and received “The Good Egg” award. When asked how he maintained a positive attitude he said, “He tries to make someone else’s day.” Jose also had jobs at Brookview Farms in Freeport, MI, Heavy equipment driver, Superior Kilns of Mellen, WI and Peninsula Concrete in Clarksville, MI.

Jose was a dreamer. Seeing his uncles own their own businesses he wanted to be like them. He saw his uncle’s hard work and dedication and believed anything was possible. Hot Shot Trucking was a business he started; traveling state to state delivering whatever the customer wanted. He also wanted a small farm. He had a vision, and along with Moriah, they made it happen. He loved the outdoors, hunting, fishing, even chopping wood. If he was outside, he was happy. This year he and Moriah did a raised garden, something Jose enjoyed and figured it would be good therapy. He was able to enjoy the first of their tomatoes, green beans and jalapeno peppers.

His life was cut short due to complications. Jose is survived by his mother Gloria and stepfather Ray Martinez, His Dad Jose Santos, fiancé Moriah Hicks and her daughters Candi and Sarah Hicks. He loved those girls as his own, his sisters Andrea (A.J.) Russell, Micaela (Jeremy) Moore and nieces Layla and Maddison, nephews Eli, Liam, and Isaac and Joey and Drew Martinez. Jose loved his family so much and was so proud of his nieces and nephews.

Jose was also survived by extended family: Ray, BJ, Susie Martinez, Mary (Hayden) Martinez, Nina, Bel, Alex Martinez and Tori (Coby) Morris, Aunt Mary (Jim) Davis, Aunt Olivia (Wewa) and fiancé Wayne Nettleton, Uncle’s Domingo (Marsha) Gallardo and Lazaro Gallardo Jr, Aunt Adelina (Bobby) Gallardo Shaneck, Great Aunt Esther Silva along with several Aunts, Uncles, Nieces and Nephews. Very special friends: Sarah Kowalczyk, Hanna McMaster and Joe Craft.

Jose is preceded in death by his maternal grandparents Lazaro and Hortencia Gallardo, uncle Bob Gallardo, cousins Bailey Devenbaugh and Kathleen Palacios and paternal grandmother Lidia Santos.

A Celebration of Jose’s Life is planned for Saturday, September 19. 2026 at 11:00 am at Harvest Community Church, 620 Sixth Avenue, Lake Odessa, MI with Fellowship and a Luncheon following the service.