Joe V. Esparza

On Wednesday, March 6, 2024, Joe V. Esparza, loving husband and father passed away surrounded by his family at the age of 88.

Joe was born on December 29, 1935, in Somerville, Texas, to Jose and Jesusa Esparza.

On June 23, 1956, he married Patsy Claver Maldonado. In their 27 years of marriage, they raised two sons, Carl Joseph and Steven Joseph, and two daughters, Bettye Carolyn and Monica Ann.

On August 19, 1987, Joe married Linda Sue Locke, and they were married for 28 years.

Joe served in the National Guard and was honorably discharged in 1958.

Joe worked 35 years for Alcoa before retiring in 1999.

He was an active parishioner for over 60 years at St. Mary’s serving on committees and leading the Rosary society.

Joe not only had a passion for working cattle and training horses, but he also had a passion for “small talk” and was an incredible storyteller. He had a gift of beginning a story, and 45 minutes later would bring you back to the very beginning of the story.

We will remember Joe for his simple life, hard work, honesty, unconditional love, common sense approach, his funny “Joe-isms,” his love for polka music and his cowboy beer.

Most of all we will remember Joe for his trust, strength, courage, faith and joy in God on whom he humbly relied on.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Jose and Jesusa; brother, Johnny; wife, Patsy; son, Carl, daughters, Hope and Grace; and wife, Linda Sue.

Joe is survived by his daughters, Bettye (Jorge) Gomez, and Monica (Juan) Curbelo; his son, Steven (Heather) Esparza; his stepdaughter, Renee (Robert) Pounders; his brother, Manuel (Simona) Esparza; his sister, Rosie (Anthony) Manfre; his sister-in-law, Marina Esparza; along with seven grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, April 6, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Mary Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church. The recitation of the Rosary will occur at 9:30 a.m. prior to the funeral Mass.

In lieu of flowers please donate to: St. Mary Our Lady of Lourdes to help the needy, St. Jude’s children’s Hospital or to Hospice Brazos Valley.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Phillips & Luckey Funeral Home.

PHILLIPS & LUCKEY FUNERAL HOME 404 W. Buck St. Caldwell, Tx 77836 979-567-3232