Jose Baltazar

1945 - 2017

Jose (Joe) C. Baltazar beloved father, grandfather and husband passed away Sunday, November 5, 2017 at his home after a short battle with cancer.
Jose was born in Austin Texas on March 22, 1945. He was married to the light of his life Esperanza Baltazar on February 13th 1965. They divorced but 28 years later they remained devoted to one another. He enjoyed fixing up his 1932 grey Ford and his yellow Thunderbird. Driving the 1932 Ford caught the attention of many people. He enjoyed picking-up other people's treasures at thrift stores and garage sales. He also enjoyed sitting in his garage watching the traffic go by. Most of all, Joe loved taking his grandson Jacob fishing. Whenever possible "Grandpa Joe" imparted words of wisdom to his Grandson.
Joe is preceded in death by his father, Manuel L. Baltazar; his mother, Mercedes C. Baltazar; and his brother, Manuel Baltazar Jr.
Joe is survived by his loving companion, Esperanza Baltazar; and two children; Norma Drew (Jeremy) and Patty Veeder (Greg). He leaves behind four grandchildren, Joey Veeder, Maya Veeder, Jacob Drew and Addison Drew. Surviving siblings are Guadalupe (Betty Jo) Baltazar, Paul Baltazar, Esperanza (Bill) Marshall, Rosa Gannaway , Margie (Lee ) White, Paulina Gomez (Mario).
A memorial service will be held on Tuesday November 14th at St. Francis De Sales Church from 5-8 with a prayer reading at 6 p.m. Cremation by Simply Cremations in Grand Rapids. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Hospice of Michigan (www.hom.org)