Joe Guadalupe Vega

Joe Guadalupe Vega, a cherished pillar of the Corpus Christi community, passed away peacefully on June 15, 2024, next to his two youngest children by his bedside. Born on November 3, 1940, to Joe and Catalina Vega, he was a man whose life was marked by dedication, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to his loved ones. Joe's legacy is carried on by his four devoted children, Joe Bernal, Jo Ann Bernal, Joby Vega, and Georgette Vega, who were his pride and joy. His life was further enriched by the laughter and love of his 12 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren, and 3 great-great-grandchildren, all of whom he adored. While he was preceded in death by his son, Billy Joe Vega, and his beloved wife, Guadalupe B. Vega, the memories they shared continue to bring comfort and strength to the family. Joe's work as a master carpenter was not just a profession but a calling. His hands, both strong and skilled, brought beauty and function into the world through his woodwork. Colleagues and friends alike admired his intelligence and his uncanny ability to know a little something about everything. Joe's love for Ford pickups and tools was only matched by his talent for storytelling and his knack for keeping up with the "business." His leadership and strength of character were the foundation upon which he built his family, instilling in them the same strong will that he embodied. Beyond his professional achievements, Joe was a man of many interests. He found solace and joy in wood and rock carving, as well as in the delicate strokes of canvas oil painting. His garden was a testament to his patience and love for nature, yielding fresh vegetables that he took pride in sharing with his family. Joe's television favorites ranged from the dramatic twists of "12 corazones" to the lively debates on "Maury" and "Jerry Springer." He was an avid sports fan, relishing in the excitement of football, basketball, wrestling, boxing, the Kentucky Derby, and the Olympics. His recent favorite, "Highway thru Hell," was a testament to his appreciation for the resilience of the human spirit. Joe's social life was marked by simple pleasures, such as breakfast at Town & Country restaurant and the cherished Barbecue Sundays with the Blanco family, where he reveled in the company of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. His love for home-cooked meals, generously topped with extra gravy and Hellman's mayonnaise, was well-known among those who loved him. The family extends their deepest gratitude to Jozette & Juan, Jorja, Jazmine, Katarina, Marisleysis, Niekia, and Kalina, his grandchildren, who provided Joe with unwavering care and companionship following the loss of his wife. Joe Guadalupe Vega will be remembered as a loving father, a kind soul, and an exceptionally handy man whose impact on the world was as tangible as the wood he shaped with his hands. His stories, his laughter, and his indomitable spirit will live on in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know him. As we bid farewell to Joe, we celebrate a life well-lived, a legacy of love, and the countless ways in which he touched our lives. He was a beacon of strength and love, and his memory will continue to guide and inspire us for generations to come.