Jose "Jesse" Maria Marquez

Visitation will be held from 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm, Thursday, May 21, 2026, at Scanio-Harper Funeral Home with the Rosary to begin at 6:00 pm. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 2:00 pm Friday, May 22, 2026, at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Temple with burial to follow at Hillcrest Cemetery in Temple.

Jesse was born on April 11, 1935, in Las Vegas, New Mexico, to Frutoso Marquez and Guadalupe (Sena) Marquez. He later made Temple his home, where he built a life centered on faith, family, and hard work. Jesse proudly served his country in the United States Army and was stationed at Ft. Orr, Ft. Gordon, Korea, Ft. Hood, and Ft. Polk. He was a devoted member of Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Temple.

On June 15, 1958, Jesse married the love of his life, Rose Mary Villanueva, in Temple. Their marriage was the foundation of a loving family that brought him his greatest joy. Jesse began his career as a construction foreman and eventually built and operated his own successful construction company. He was known for his strong work ethic, generosity, and willingness to help those in need of work.

Jesse was an excellent pool player and enjoyed spending time playing cards and dominoes with family and friends. Throughout his life, he formed lasting friendships that stretched from Chicago to Mexico and even South America. Above all, Jesse cherished his family and treasured every moment spent with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Preceded in death by his siblings, Joan Pastrana, Lupe Aragon, Henry Marquez, Angel Marquez, and Mike Marquez.

He is survived by his wife, Rose Mary Marquez; daughters, Rose B. Bretado, Delia A. Villarreal, and Monica T. Fessler; sisters, Elisa Salazar, and Veronica Sasamoto; brothers, George Marquez, Thomas Marquez, and Martin Marquez; grandchildren, Rosie LeRoy, Adrian Bretado, Michelle Williams, Josie Vargas Lara, Marcy Fessler, and Meagan Gaches; great-grandchildren, Isabella LeRoy, Jacob LeRoy, Luka Vargas Lara, Remy Vargas Lara, Winston Williams, Olivia Sullivan, and Joshua Gaches; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Pallbearers will be Robert Villarreal, Israel LeRoy, Kevin Marquez, Thomas Marquez, Gustavo Vargas Lara, and Joe Michael Hernandez. Honorary pallbearers will be Adrian Bretado, Jacob LeRoy, and Pable Marquez-Lobato.