Mr. Jose Guadalupe Andrade, of Kingsville, TX, passed away on February 2, 2020, at the age of 97.
Jose was born to parents Jose Guadalupe and Maximina Gonzalez Andrade on December 16, 1922 in Skidmore, Texas. Jose married Emma Sturgeon on September 16, 1946 and the couple had two children, Anna and Carmen including Elvira and Amparo, who died in infancy; Amparo and Elvira.
Jose went to night school to complete the 9th grade, he was a self-taught leather craftsman and owned his own business in Three Rivers making saddles and belts for the local ranching community until the flood of 1968. He was the first Hispanic man to be inducted into the Three Rivers Evergreen Masonic Lodge #325. He was well known as JG or Don Jose. He later relocated to Kingsville where he opened up his saddle shop in his garage and continued his life passion.
In his spare time could often be found collecting rocks as he went for walks in the evenings then returning home to polish them. He was a man of God and believed in the Word of the Lord and read his bible scriptures nightly. He was a kind grandfather who enjoyed teaching his grandchildren how to use a lasso in the backyard, use a sling shot and crafted a swing set for them to play on in the summers. He was an animal lover at heart, often adopting local stray cats to feed in his kitchen, much to Emma's distress.
Jose is survived by his daughter, Anna Delagarza; grandchildren, Selynda Garza; Geraldo Soto; Christina Guzman and Jose Delagarza. As well as great-grandchildren, Jude Garza; Luke Garza and Liliana Guzman.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, 02-06-2020 from 3:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. at Ramirez-Salinas Funeral Home, with a Rosary at 7:00 p.m. A Funeral Mass is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on Friday, 02-07-2020 at Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church. A Cremation will follow and a private Graveside Service will be held at a later date.
Only in God is my soul at rest; From Him comes my salvation. He only is my rock and my salvation, my stronghold.
- Psalm 61:2-3