Joe Cruz

In Loving Memory of Joe Champion Cruz

Joe Champion Cruz ‐ July 19, 1941 ‐ October 24, 2023

Jose Cruz, 82, of Aransas Pass, passed away peacefully at home on October 24, 2023 surrounded by his family.

He was born in Corpus Christi to Jose Cruz & Eva Gentry. Joe worked in construction as a heavy equipment operator & a concrete mason for more than 20 years. He also attended Texas A&M training facility to become a certified firefighting instructor. He worked for Aransas Pass Fire Department as thecertified instructor & also as Assistant Fire chief. Joe Cruz went on to open & operate several local businesses in the Aransas Pass area; Tamale Hut, Joe's Paint & Body Shop & JJ's Lunch Box.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Theresa Cruz; Father Jose Cruz Sr; Mother Eva Champion Gentry; daughter Becky Schloeman. Those left to cherish his memory are, his children, Joe Cruz (Jennifer) Spring Branch TX; Deborah Cruz (Johnny Joe) McQueeney TX; Sarah Sawyer (Chris) Goliad, TX; Kary Wilson (Mike) Leesville, LA; Cassandra Crumpton (Cody) Pinedale, WY; Christina Jackson (Ashley) Victoria, TX; David Vargas (Jessie) Rockport, TX; and sister, Juanita Hernandez (Juan), Aransas Pass, TX. Brother, Jesse Cruz (Margarita), Houston, TX, 16 grandchildren, 6 great grandchildren, and countless others who considered him a second father, mentor & friend.

A passionate fisherman, Joe relished his fishing adventures. He cherished the time he spent on the water.When he wasn't fishing, he enjoyed spending time with his family and working on projects in his garage.

A private celebration of life will be held by his children. Memorial donations in Joe's honor, may be made to Harbor Hospice Gulf Coast or CCA Aransas Bay chapter.