Jose E. Vasquez

WESLACO - Jose E. Vasquez, 81, passed away on Saturday, March 17, 2018 at Valley Baptist Medical Center in Harlingen. Jose was born on January 13th, 1937 to Jose A and Eva L Vasquez in Richmond Springs, Texas. He graduated high school in San Benito, Texas in 1955. After graduation, Jose joined to US Army, Special Forces and this became his career. He was awarded the bronze star with "V" for Valor, Combat Infantryman Badge, several Expeditionary Medals, Air Medal, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm, Gold Star, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, 3 overseas bars, Vietnam parachute badge and honor medals, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medals (Korea); Joint Services Commendation Medals. He was a hero to many that included his closest friends and family. After retiring from the US Army in the 70's, Joe worked as a contractor for Vinnell Corp Engineering in Saudia Arabia for eighteen years. He then moved to Egypt, where he worked for their sister company, Seavin Coproration for several more years. He loved working and teaching more than anything and that brought him the most joy. After retiring, he moved back to his humble beginnings in the Rio Grande Valley with his wife, Howaida. They enjoyed twenty three years of marriage. Joe loved tinkering in his garage, rebuilding lawn mowers, trucks, and cushman motorcycles. He also loved taking apart computers and rebuilding them. Joe will mostly be remembered by his cherished friends for his commitment to the comrade of their friendships and the strong bond they had in service to our country and shared work ethic. He had friends all over the world never allowed his friendships to be broken by distance. He loved his mother and the military equally. The bond he had with both of these loves could be summed up in boxes of mementos, letters and drawings during his years away from home. He loved being a practical joker and his humor is something his grandchildren will miss and remember about their "Grampa Texas". There will be a memorial service with military honors held at a later date.