Billy Joe Hogue

Billy Joe Hogue has passed away in Firebaugh, CA, surrounded by his loving family and 2 dear dogs, Sandy and Lady. Bill, as he liked to be called, was born to Ellie and JR (Pike) Hogue in Calumet Oklahoma in 1933. Along with his two brothers and three sisters, the family moved from Oklahoma to Texas and then settled in California.

Despite only completing the seventh grade, Bill became a very successful man and went to work at his life's vocation: farming. Starting around the age of fourteen, Bill worked his way to managing New Columbia Ranch (Newhall Farming) and Vaquero Farms, eventually owning his own farm and various businesses. He and his son, Bob invented the 30" cotton picker featured in Cotton Magazine and copied by John Deere and International Harvester. He continued to farm until his retirement at the age of 81. His coworkers at Vaquero dubbed him, "the Million Dollar Man" because of his notable success in tomato harvests. He was amongst those known as the Legends of the Westside.

At a skating rink in Firebaugh, Bill met the love of his life, Bess Austin. They married at the young age of 16 and welcomed four children to their family, Judi Ranger of Wellton AZ, Bobby Hogue (Celeste) of Firebaugh, CA, Sharon Ramirez (Tom) Wellton AZ, and Marilyn Burkhart, Wellton AZ. He is also survived by ten grandchildren, 27 great grandchildren with two more on the way this year. Vivian Austin is his cherished surviving sister-in-law. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Ellie and JR, his sisters Judy Breeden, Elvis Kite, Ellen Hogue, his brothers, Raymond and Bob Hogue.

He and Bess were able to enjoy traveling in their RV for many years in their retirement, driving across Canada and parts of the United States until Bess's untimely passing in 2002. If they weren't traveling, Bill and Bess were happily attending their grandchildren's sports events. They loved to square dance together with their friends from the Newhall Group. Bill also enjoyed bowling and pitching softball. He immensely loved to camp, hunt and eat ice cream. Bill and Bess were snowbirds, spending time in Arizona with wonderful friends when they were not living in Firebaugh. They enjoyed 53 years of married life.

We are left remembering his quick wit. The family takes comfort in knowing Bill is reunited with their beloved mother and that they are "on the road again"!

A celebration of life will be held Wednesday, August 27, 2025, at the VFW Hall, 1300 "O" St. Firebaugh, CA from 11am until 2pm.

Private family graveside services will be held in Madera, CA at Arbor Vitae Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers or memorandum, donations can be made to the Firebaugh Volunteer Fire Department who were most helpful to our dear father.