Jose R. "Joe" Devora

1959 - 2014

Jose "Joe" R. Devora

Abilene, TX

Jose "Joe" Cupertino Retana Devora passed away peacefully on August 1st surrounded by his loved ones at Hendrick Medical Center in Abilene, Texas. A visitation is scheduled at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, August 4th at Elmwood-Memorial Funeral Home. Funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, August, 5th at St. Francis Catholic Church in Abilene, Texas. Jose was an Abilene resident since the age of 17.

He was born September 18th, 1959 to Guadalupe Retana Devora and Bruno Reyes Devora in Panuco de Coronado, Durango, Mexico. Jose moved to Abilene from Mexico in 1977, where he met the love of his life and wife of 35 years, Maria Elena Barrera in December of 1977. They married September of 1979. Jose worked in the construction industry for over 30 years and was a master brick mason. He worked as a masonry contractor and owned J&B Masonry Inc. in Abilene, Texas for fifteen years. He was known for his amazing smile and happy go lucky personality and best known for his generosity. He devoted his life to helping others and had a wonderful spirit.

He is preceded in death by his grandfather, Domingo Devora, mother and father Guadalupe Retana Devora and Bruno Reyes Devora. Sister, Carlota Devora Retana, and brother, Juan Manuel Devora. He is survived by his wife Maria Elena Devora, two sons, Joey Devora and David Devora, daughter, Laura Elena Devora, and son-in-law Jesus Reyes. Five grandchildren, Catalina Devora, Noah Devora, Jesus Reyes Jr., Julian Reyes, and Joel Reyes. He is also survived by his brothers and sisters. Brothers, Jesus Salvador Devora (Rosa), Bruno Devora (Isabel), Domingo Devora (Hope), Fermin Devora (Vicki), Jaime Devora (Susie), Francisco Devora (Monica), Bruno Devora (Mayra) and Jesus Salvador "Chuyito" Devora. Sisters, Rosa Maria De La Fuente (Fernando), Guadalupe Devora, Julia Gonzalez (Sergio), Ana Gonzalez (Miguel), and Amparo Devora. Mother-in-law Natalia Roman and her husband J.R. Father-in-law, Jesus Barrera Jr. and wife Mari. Sisters-in-law Angela Rangel, Linda Allelo and her husband Juan Allelo. In addition, he is survived by several nephews, nieces, great nephews, and nieces as well as a wonderful church family at St. Francis of Assisi, great neighbors and countless friends.

Jose was known for his work ethic and believed anything was possible in this country as long as one was willing to work hard. As a boy he worked in the beautiful fields of Panuco de Coronado, Durango, the city of Torreon, Coahuila, the port of Vera Cruz, and Mexico City. He also worked for New Corp, Rivera Masonry, Hammons Masonry, and later became owner of J&B Masonry Inc. He took pride in his work as a master mason and was admired as a mentor by his crew of employees. He was a man of love, grace, and God. He was a member of St. Francis Catholic Church in Abilene, Texas. In his free time Jose enjoyed cooking out, spending time with family and friends, and tending to his beautiful landscapes and garden at his home. He also enjoyed bike rides on Sunday evenings with his family. He was a fan of the Texas Rangers and Club Santos Laguna S.A. de C.V. Soccer.

Jose's family would like to thank Dr. Maxwell, Dr. Trammell, Dr. Brown, Dr. Cope, CCU Staff at HMC, and Hendrick Hospice Care, as well as all the family and friends that showed love and kindness through thoughts and prayers, food and visits.

Online condolences can be made at www.elmwoodfuneral.com.