Joe Gonzales Pena Jr.

Joe Gonzales Pena Jr. age 93 of Gonzales, Texas went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, May 7, 2025 just shy of his 94th birthday. He was born on May 29,1931 in Bebe, Texas to Joe and Benita Pena. He is survived by his daughter: Josephine Pena of San Antonio and three sons: Manuel (Mary Lou) Pena and David (Irene) Pena both of Gonzales and Henry (Norma) Pena of Austin. He has 3 surviving siblings: Sisters: Anita Deleon of Post, Texas and Eva Reina and Terry Pena of Gonzales, Texas. He has 19 grandchildren, 42 great grandchildren, 1 great great grandson and 1 great great granddaughter on the way. Plus, multiple nieces and nephews whom he loved as his own.

Joe Pena was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 54 years: Dolores Rivera Pena; Parents: Joe and Benita Pena, Sons: Domingo and Daniel Pena; Sisters: Noemi Moreno, Ascension Martinez, Lucia Rodela, Petra Martinez and Angelita Garza; and Brothers: Sebastian Pena, Adam Pena, Tony Pena and grandson Daniel Camarillo.

Joe worked for many years for James Fehner at Fehner & Son Grain Co. as a truck driver. He also worked as a farmer, landscraper, gardener, and had multiple other jobs. He worked very hard to support his family and was very proud of his children. He was very sociable and after retiring he loved having breakfast with his many friends and family at various restaurants in Gonzales. He enjoyed life to the fullest and was a friend to all. His fondest memory was meeting Coach Tom Landry at an FCA awards banquet in San Antonio and spending time talking with him about his beloved Dallas Cowboys. He loved the Houston Astros, Texas Longhorns, and the San Antonio Spurs as well. He enjoyed telling stories of his childhood adventures with his brothers and sisters. I’m sure he is dancing away with Tia Chona, talking with Tio Sebastian, Tio Adam, and Tio Tony about their roosters, teasing his sisters and is happily spending time with Mom and Daniel. He is now in God’s Heavenly Presence and is whole again. He loved telling every one he was the oldest living sibling.

He was loved by his children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, family members and friends throughout the United States and Europe. He loved going to early mass at Sacred Heart Church until his health didn’t allow him to attend anymore. He also loved visiting his family in Post and Lubbock Texas. It was our family vacation every year. Pop was a very generous man and always gave everyone his time, wit, money, and love. He loved bragging about his grandkids and cherished the time he spent with them. He will be dearly missed.

There will be a memorial service on Tuesday, May 13th, at Seydler Hill Funeral Home with the viewing from 5-7 pm and a rosary at 7 pm. The funeral mass will be Wednesday, May 14th at Sacred Heart Catholic Church at 2 pm. Burial at St. James Catholic Cemetery immediately after. The pallbearers will be some of his grandsons: Manuel Pena, Jr., Henry Pena, Jr., David Conrad Pena, Jonathan Pena, Jeremy Pena and Joe David Pena.

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