Dates
Jose "Joe" Nava Perez, 82, passed away Sunday, September 14, 2025, in San Angelo surrounded by his loving family.
Public viewing will be from 10:00 AM until 8:00 PM with the Rosary being prayed at 6:00 PM Wednesday, September 17, 2025, at Robert Massie Riverside Chapel. Mass will be 10:00 AM Thursday, September 18, 2025, at St. Joseph Catholic Church with Ft. Tom Barley, officiating. Burial will follow at Calvary Catholic Cemetery under the direction of Robert Massie Funeral Home. Military honors are afforded by Ft. Hood Military Honor Guard Team.
Mr. Perez was born September 3, 1943 in San Angelo to Margarito and Reyes Perez. Joe has been a lifelong resident of San Angelo where he was a 1961 graduate of Central High School. Joe was drafted in to the US Army and he served for 4 years after hurting his knee. After returning from his service in the Army Joe attended a trade school in Dallas. Joe met Margaret Garcia and they later married on April 11, 1967 in San Angelo, Margaret preceded him in death on December 25, 2017. Joe worked for the telephone company and later worked at Ethicon for 32 years as a needle maker. Joe was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church. He loved fishing, working in his yard, and spending time with his grandchildren. Joe also loved to grill, dance, play guitar, and listen to music.
Survivors include his two daughters, Mary Ellen Payton and significant other Gary Lara, and Elizabeth Martinez and husband Edward all of San Angelo; his sister, Lucia Sepeda of Sweetwater; four grandchildren Christopher Payton, Michael Payton and wife Kendall, Ethan Martinez and wife Eliza, and Elyada Martinez; two great grandchildren, Emilio Luciano Martinez, and Keiligh Grace Payton; and his cat, Kitty Witty. Joe was preceded in death by his parents, four brothers, Victor Perez, Domingo Perez, Ignacio Perez, and Miguel Perez, and three sisters, Margaret Gutierrez, Julia Torres, and Rosa Cervantez.