Joe Carrizales

It is with heavy hearts, yet deep gratitude for a life well lived, that we announce the passing of a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, who entered heaven on March 25, 2026, at the age of 72.

Joe was born on November 8, 1953, in Gonzales, Texas, his life marked by integrity, resilience, and strength. Perhaps most notably, he was known for the life he shared with his beloved wife, Mary Frances. He often shared on repeat that they were married for 53 and a half years. He was also known for the father he was to his five children: Kathy, Alice, Joey, Johnathon, and Jennifer. Each of them had a special nickname from him, along with a story to match. He protected his family fiercely, and they always knew they were safe under his watch.

To those who knew him in the community, he will be remembered as a hardworking man. He founded CJ Sand & Gravel in 1999, purchasing it from Isabel Rodriguez, and built it on the values that defined his life: honesty, fairness, and especially hard work. He never cheated anyone, and his reputation reflected that. His dump trucks and backhoe became part of who he was, and it seemed there were no roads he hadn’t traveled. He fondly recalled his many job sites and places of work, grateful for the people he met along the way, each of them getting bookmarked in his story. He was a self-made man and for 25 years, he poured his heart into his company.

Generosity was second nature to Joe. There was no asking him for anything because he was always giving. He cooked often and laughed saying he couldn’t share his secret ingredients. Perhaps at the top of the list for the best foods he made, were his chili and “caldo”. They brought comfort like no other meal could.

When he wasn’t working, he stayed busy, almost always with his wife by his side. Almost everyday they made their rounds, visiting each child and grandkid, often showing up unannounced but always expected. He didn’t let many days pass without a visit. He also made it a point to check on his sisters, ensuring they were doing well. The sight and sound of his little green truck (or golf cart) coming around the corner became his trademark. He loved “Greenie” more than any of his newer vehicles. It may have been the only one that never gave him trouble, and to this day, we still wonder how the odometer kept up.

Whenever he came to visit, it gave everyone a reason to pause and rest. He usually had a story to tell or something funny to share, though sometimes he came with no agenda at all, just to be near to us. He was a man of routine, and we came to appreciate his rhythms. We knew he would show up for special occasions, games, and anything important to us. We also knew he would faithfully go to Thrive each day to work out, refusing to “let the old man in.” We often laughed at the sometimes random contraptions he bought to stay in shape and his open-mindedness to try them. We were always grateful for his choice to be so resilient.

Another meaningful part of his daily routine was visiting his wife’s gravesite. He cared for it meticulously, decorating it with great love and attention. He seemed to notice even the smallest detail out of place, as that sacred spot became his meeting place with the love of his life.

Above all else, his two greatest treasures were his relationship with the Lord and his family. There were few conversations with him that did not naturally point back to his faith in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. His faith was so much a part of his life. It was in the songs he listened to, the stories he shared, and the constant reminders of God’s presence in every circumstance. Bible study was where he found fellowship and it blessed us all to witness. It was his faith that strengthened his family and helped root each of us more deeply in our own walk with the Lord. Even in the face of profound grief following the passing of his wife just seven months ago, he remained steadfast, trusting in God’s plan and holding onto the hope of being reunited with her again. Their love endured, and we take comfort in knowing they are now together once more.

His family carries with them a love that needs no words. It was a love less often spoken and more often shown through acts of service and time freely given. It was found in the caldo left on the stove, the frequent check-ins, the stories shared one chapter at a time, the small repairs around the house, and the wisdom he passed down. His home and his heart were always open, and his steady presence brought a deep sense of security. That is where his love was felt and where it will remain, now and forevermore.

His legacy is one of sacrificial love, endurance, and faithfulness. Blessed are all who had the honor of knowing his heart.

Pallbearers: Peter Carrizales, Ethan Crouch, Mark Davila, Isaac Davila, DJ Johnson, Derrick Johnson. Honorary pallbearers: Carsyn Carrizales, Cole Carrizales, Collyn Carrizales, Johnny Carrizales, Lupe Carrizales, Taylor Carrizales, Josh Crouch, Lorryn Johnson, Aubrey Lindemann, Angel Martinez, Robert Villarreal, Chance Crouch.

Visitation will be held 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 1, 2026 at Seydler-Hill Funeral Home. Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Thursday, April 2, 2026 at the First Baptist Church with Reverend Robert Ramirez officiating. Interment will follow at the Gonzales Memorial Park Cemetery.

Friends may sign the guestbook and leave condolences by visiting www.seydlerhillfuneralhome.com

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Seydler-Hill Funeral Home, 906 St. Paul St. Gonzales.