Jose Torres "Joe" Esparza

Joe T. Esparza, age 97, of Little River-Academy passed from this life on Saturday, September 13, 2025. Joe was born on the 8th day of September 1928 in Tivoli, Texas, to parents Ignacio and Salome (McIntire) Esparza.
Joe has lived in the Bell County area since 1966. Growing up, he and his family were migrant farm workers in Robstown, Tx. Joe married Josephine Garcia Esparza, his first love, in Granger, Texas, in 1946. The couple would bless this world with three sons and two daughters before Josephine's passing in 1981. As life went on, Joe would find love again with Martha Esparza. They spent many wonderful years together until her passing in 2016. He would later spend several years driving trucks for Transit Mix until his retirement. Joe was a devout follower of St. Mary's Catholic Church and was confident that he would be reunited with his Lord and Savior at the end of his earthly life. Joe was a devoted worker and a family man. Joe loved going to his favorite casino in Oklahoma to play the slots with his beloved friend, Enriqueta Rodriguez. He was 97 years old and still driving!
We find comfort in knowing Papi/Buelo/Buelito's legacy lives on through the lessons he taught us, the love he shared, and the memories we will cherish forever.
"It's not goodbye, it's until we meet again."
Joe was preceded in death by his parents, first wife Josephine Esparza, second wife Martha Esparza, son Joe Esparza Jr., and several siblings.
Joe leaves behind to cherish his memory his son Juan Esparza of Temple, daughter Guadalupe Parra of Little River Academy, daughter Diana Felix of Little River Academy, son Albert Esparza of Belton, thirteen grandchildren, thirty-two great-grandchildren, and twenty-five great-great-grandchildren.
A funeral service will be held at St. Mary's Catholic Church on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, at 10 o'clock a.m. with Father Will Rooney officiating. The family will be accepting visitors at Hewett-Arney Funeral Home on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, from 6 o'clock p.m. to 8 o'clock p.m. with the rosary being recited at 7 o'clock p.m. Joe will be interred in Hillcrest Cemetery following the service.
Hewett-Arney Funeral Home of Temple is entrusted with these arrangements.