Jose “Joe” Garces Guerrero, beloved husband, father, and grandfather, passed away surrounded by loved ones in the comfort of his beautiful home on Sunday, August 23, 2026.

He is survived by his loving wife, Guadalupe “Lupita” Delgado Guerrero, with whom he celebrated their 51st wedding anniversary this past spring. Joe and Lupe shared a breathtaking love story spanning six decades. They raised three wonderful children, Melanie Guerrero, Amanda Guerrero Tholen, Jose Thomas Guerrero, and often their nephew Brian Navarez. Within their humble home in Richwood, Texas, they poured their love and generosity into their grandchildren, Jennifer and Jessica Guerrero, Mason Whittington, and Oliver Tholen. Joe and Lupe have grown their family to include their loving sons-in-law Bryan Tholen, Christian Guerrero-Fuentes, and granddaughter-in-law Krystal Guerrero. Joe was deeply fond of his mother-in-law, Cruz Serrano, and all the Delgado sisters-in-law and brother-in-law who loved Joe like their own brother.

Joe was an honorable man, revered and respected by all who knew him. Born in Rossville, Texas and raised in Sinton, Texas where he was a proud Sinton Pirate and lifelong Dallas Cowboys fan. He was a devout Catholic and proud member of the Knights of Columbus. Joe and Lupe spent much of their time doing good work in their community through Habitat for Humanity, helping to find and build housing for families in need. As a couple, Joe and Lupe were foundational members in the community of St. Jerome’s Catholic Church under the leadership of Father Jim Lyons. The friendships and family they have built have brought them endless joy and comfort as they’ve traveled the world with their congregational family and visited sacred places of worship.

Joe’s professional background in painting and safety inspection spanned more than two decades at Dow Chemical, followed by two more decades at Goodyear Chemical. His expertise began in painting and grew into a deep commitment to keeping everyone around him safe, as an expert in OSHA protocols in the chemical plants where he worked. Joe was a firefighter at both Goodyear Chemical and the Richwood Fire Department. Most recently, he served his community as a certified instructor through A&A Drug and Alcohol Education, a business founded by his best friends and brother and sister-in-law, Andrew and Amelia Samarripa. Reaching people during personal hardship and helping them find a path to a better life and positive choices gave Joe a tremendous sense of purpose. His greatest joy was in the company of the love of his life, Lupita.

Joe is preceded in death by his parents, Felipe and Tomasa Guerrero, Sr. He is survived by his siblings, Felipe Jr., Aurora “Lola”, Tomasa “Tommie”, Julie, Laura, Antonio Sr., and Teresa “Teri,” and their respective spouses and families.

Pallbearers will be Jose Thomas Guerrero, Christian Fuentes, Brian Navares, Edwin Payne, Mason Christopher Whittington, Oliver Thomas Tholen, and Mike Stallcup.

A wake will be held on Thursday, August 27th, from 5 to 8 pm at Lakewood Funeral Chapel in Lake Jackson, Texas.

Lakewood Funeral Chapel 98 Dixie Dr Lake Jackson, TX 77566

A funeral service and reception will be held Friday, August 28th, 2026, at 10:30 AM at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Lake Jackson, Texas.

St. Michael Catholic Church 100 Oak Drive South Lake Jackson, TX 77566