Joe Catarino Talavera

Joe Catarino Talavera, 68 of Odessa, passed away on January 6, 2022, in Odessa, Tx. The Lord called His servant home. With heavy hearts his loved ones had to say goodbye. Joe was born in Alpine Tx to Catarino and Candida Talavera on August 13, 1953. Joe moved to Odessa at a young age with his family. Although Odessa was where Joe lived his heart was in Fort Davis. That is where his beloved grandparents Bulo and Bula lived. Summer vacations spent in Fort Davis with them was what Joe looked forward to the most. He cherished the memories of his grandparents and the time he spent in Fort Davis. Later in his adult life, Joe loved going to the Fort Davis State Park. To a special place in the mountains where he and Joanna would sit at his favorite spot and read the Bible, have holy communion and pray for family, friends, and anyone that Jesus placed in his heart. Joe’s purpose in life was to serve the lord. Praying for his family, friends, and strangers was his passion. Always attentive and obedient to the voice of Holy Spirit. He lived a life of transformed grace. Every person that knew him from his previous life was a witness to the transformative power of Jesus Christ in him. He was a loyal servant to God first and foremost. He lived a servant’s life and modeled a servant’s heart. He committed his life to the work of God. He was energized by a power greater than this natural world understands.

Joe was a wonderful husband to his wife Joanna, a wonderful father to his children and grandchildren, a great brother, uncle, cousin and friend. He loved his family and there was nothing he wouldn’t do for them. Joe didn’t differentiate between his biological children and his stepchildren. He would say “there is no such thing as step”. They were all his children. Joe was a man of many talents. He could sing, play the piano, make a mean bowl of mashed potatoes, and some very hot chili con queso. His dog Beto learned to be attentive to prayer because of Joe. When Beto would hear Joe pray he would run to be present while Joe prayed. His vision and leadership helped many young and older Christians find their own path to a personal relationship with Jesus. He encouraged, lifted, and inspired everyone he met. He was a great example of righteousness. Never taking credit, but always giving God the glory. For some, he was the closest example of Christ’s unconditional love. He was constantly heard quoting one of his favorite scriptures, Galatians 2:20, “I am crucified with Christ, nevertheless I live; yet not I but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” His work on this earth was of eternal value and because of that, he will have an eternal reward. His race ended earlier than we anticipated. Joe will be deeply missed. His memory will live forever in the hearts of those who knew him. We rejoice in knowing that he is with our Savior Jesus Christ.

Joe is preceded in death by his parents Catarino and Candida Talavera, sisters

Juanita Cruz and Frances Sanchez.

Joe is survived by his wife Joanna Talavera of Odessa, son Joe Talavera Jr. of Odessa, daughter Valerie Talavera of Odessa, grandchildren Robert Sanchez Jr. and Mercedes (Sadies) Sanchez, Siblings Danny Talavera of Odessa, Ana Miller and husband Don of Odessa, and Teresa Sanchez and husband Daniel of Midland.

Son Daniel Rivera and wife Amie of Odessa, Daughter Dixcie Woody and husband Chris of Odessa, grandchildren Alisyn and Amry Rivera of Odessa, Rian Smith of Plano, McKynzie Smiley and husband Joshua of Odessa, Kaden Woody and wife Abi of Odessa. Finally, his beloved Beto Nacho.

Visitation will be on Wednesday January 12, 2022, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. at Odessa Funeral Home 1700 North Jackson Odessa Tx,79761.