Jose F. "Joe" Montoya

MONTOYA, JOSE F. "JOE" Jose F. Montoya "Joe" passed away peacefully on Thursday, August 29, 2013. Born on May 27, 1924 in Torreon, New Mexico to Maria Otero Gomez and Jose Ignacio Montoya. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife of 66 years, Leonor; infant son, Joseph; brother, Manuel Perea and sister, Esther Brito. Survived by his two daughters, Gloria O'Dowd and husband, Ron; Marie Baldonado and husband, Jim; grandchildren, Darren O'Dowd, Tara O'Dowd, Yvonne Stubbs, Amanda Cimino and husband, Jason and great-grandchildren, Aaron, Samuel and Hailey. Also his sister, Victoria Chavez and sister-in-law, Amalia Gallegos and many nieces and nephews. Joe was a World War II Veteran and after serving his country, came home to marry Leonor in 1944. They moved to Albuquerque in 1950 where he attended St. Joseph's College. He was employed at the V.A. Medical Center as an Agent Cashier and later on as a Veteran's Benefits Counselor from which he retired in 1974. He was also employed at the New Mexico State Fair for 20 years meeting people from every walk of life and making some special friendships. Joe was a member of the Disabled American Veterans; St. Joseph Society in Torreon, NM and also ushered and was an active member of Our Lady of the Assumption Parish for more than 50 years. He loved the "Lobos" and actively supported the basketball team with his good friend, Ray Sanchez for many, many years. Joe was an avid lover of fishing and hunting and spent many of his summer days at Fenton Lake and other lakes in New Mexico. He and Leonor travelled to various places, but his favorite was Las Vegas, Nevada where he loved to play video poker. Joe was a friend to everyone - didn't know a stranger! He will be remembered for his kindness and compassion and his beautiful smile. A special thank you to the staff at "Care Free Living" and "Ambercare". Friends may visit Tuesday, September 3, 2013, 6:00 p.m. with the Rosary beginning at 7:00 p.m. at FRENCH - Lomas. Mass will be held Wednesday, September 4, 2013, 11:00 a.m. at Our Lady of the Assumption Parish, Lomas and Tennessee. Interment will be at 3:00 p.m. at Santa Fe National Cemetery. The family suggests memorial contributions be made in Joe's honor to the Wounded Warrior Project, 4899 Belfort Road Ste. 300, Jacksonville, Florida 32256.