Jose Nabor Velasquez

Jose Nabor Velasquez, age 84, of Grants Pass, died Saturday, November 22, 2008 at his home.

A memorial funeral mass will be at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, November 29, 2008 at St. Anne Catholic Church with Father Ron Nelson officiating. Hull & Hull Funeral Directors are in charge of arrangements.

Memorial donations may be made to St. Anne Church, 1131 NE 10 Street, Grants Pass, Oregon 97526 or St Vincent DePaul Society, 132 SW H Street, Grants Pass, Oregon 97526.

Jose was born November 10, 1924 in Antonito, Colorado to Nicholas & Crisanta Velasquez. He served in the United States Army and retired as a Sergeant Major. He also retired Sergeant with the Naval Post Graduate Academy, Fort Ord in Monterey, California. In 1987 Jose moved his family from Monterey, California to Grants Pass after his retirement. The Valley was the place that had it all for him and his family. He was a husband of 36 years and father for 54 years. He believed in God, Family and Country and lived his life the way he believed.

He volunteered for AITPC, American Indian Traditional Preservation Committee for 13 years.

He was a member of St. Anne’s Catholic Church for 21 years and a member of St. Judes Catholic Church for 30 years. He was a Lifetime Legacy Member of Knights of Columbus 4th Degree, a 39 year member of the American Legion, Grants Pass Post #28.

He enjoyed family time with his children and his grandchildren. He was happy spending time outdoors, in the garden or just tinkering with electronics. Jose also enjoyed family outtings, fishing, camping and gardening.

Survivors include wife Judith Velasquez of Grants Pass; four sons, Joey Velasquez of Lodi, California, Albert Velasquez of Salinas, California, Patrick Velasquez of Lodi, California and David Youngbar of Grants Pass; three daughters, Libby Mason, Sarah Frappier and Tina Martin all of Grants Pass; sisters, Julie Cordova, Ada Luna and Theresa Alarid and Ema; brothers, Fred, Herman, Robert, Edmond, Lawrence and Nicholas; 15 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Preceding him in death was a daughter, Kathy Velasquez.