Jose Cantu "Joe" Tijerina

Jose Cantu "Joe" Tijerina, passed away Saturday morning March 24th at the age of 87, at his home with his loving family by his side.

He was born March 29, 1930 in Colima, Texas to Pedro and Melquiades (Cantu) Tijerina. He grew up and attended school in McAllen, Texas where he was a rancher, farmer and a trucker. Jose left the Texas Valley at age 19 and came to Battle Creek where he was employed by Eaton's Corporation as a quality control manager for 42 years and continued for an additional 10 years as a consultant. After his full retirement, and with his love for golf, he started working part-time at Oakland Hills Golf Course cutting grass.

On September 11th 1955, Jose married Barbara Louise Hughey in Battle Creek, MI at the United Missionary Church, she survives as his wife of 62 years. Together they had five children; Mark (Julie) Tijerina of Morrison, CO, Patsy (Dennis) Timm of Lincoln, CA, Steve (Heidi) Star of Grandville, MI, Diane (Bruce) Gall of Indian Wells, CA, Sandra Tijerina of Plano, TX. Joe enjoyed bowling, golfing, playing guitar, hunting, fishing, camping, gardening, family adventures, travel, building homes and other structures. He had a great love for his family and will be remembered for his great sense of humor and funny stories.

Also surviving are 11 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; two sisters, Maria Delgado (his twin sister), Elouisa Escobar and many nieces, nephews, cousins and their families. Jose was preceded in death by his parents; three sisters, Margarita, Sarah, Ernestina; five brothers, Eusebio, Trinidad, Pedro, Juan Salinas and Rumaldo Herrera.

Jose's family will greet friends on Wednesday, March 28 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care, Battle Creek. The Funeral Services to celebrate Jose's life will be held on Thursday, March 29th at 1:00 p.m. at the funeral home with Rev. Kelly C. Hadlich of Battle Creek, officiating. Interment will follow at Floral Lawn Memorial Gardens, Battle Creek with a reception following at Battle Creek Friends Church, 1305 Olive St.

Memorial contributions in Jose's honor may be directed to Great Lakes Caring Hospice, 6120 Stadium Dr., #100, Kalamazoo, MI 49009 or be sent to their home.

(A big thank you to Great Lakes Caring Hospice for all the support they gave during this special time).

Personal messages and/or favorite memories of Jose "Joe" may be placed here at www.farleyestesdowdle.com