Jose Joe Ramon Vasquez

Jose (Joe) R Vasquez Passed away at his home in Washington UT on July 20, 2011 after a long battle with Cardio Vascular and Parkinson's disease. Joe was born in June 27, 1926 in Clearfield UT, the son of Juan and Trinidad Vasquez. He graduated from Davis High School, and then earned a degree in music from Weber College. Joe served in the Army Air Corp during WW2, worked for the Railroad Pacific Fruit Express for 13 years, and for Mountain Bell/ US West/Qwest) in Clearfield, Layton and SLC. He retired from the Telephone Company in 1987 as a Central Office Foreman with 32 years of service. He married Nita Bowman on July 25, 1951; they had two sons, David & John. They were later divorced and he married Patsy Saunders Johnson Wood May 14, 1970 in Layton UT. Their marriage was later sealed in the Salt Lake Temple. Joe's entire adult life was devoted to service. He loved people, especially children, and to be of service. He was active in the Telephone Pioneers Service org. where he served continuously in various leadership capacities for over 40 years in Ogden, SLC, and St. George. Joe took part in countless activities dedicated to the service the handicapped and the community. In St George, he co-chaired the project to develop the Pioneer Park around the "Dixie" Rock which won the Utah Telephone Pioneers a national award, and also co-chaired a project to provide toys and furniture for a special play room and a Parent's Respite Room in the Old Hospital Children's Ward. For over 25 years, Joe repaired Talking Books (special tape players for blind and handicapped) for the Utah Library for the Blind" in SLC, and in St. George, Utah at the Elks Lodge. He also volunteered at "Dixie Care and Share" for over 12 years. Joe received many awards for his service including the prestigious "President's Volunteer Service Award" from President Obama in 2010. Joe was very active in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. He was faithful and dedicated in carrying out his many callings. In 1982-83, he and his wife Patsy served a Mission to the California San Diego Mission. Joe loved to travel; he was able to visit every US state, Canada, the Holy Land and Mexico, where his parent's were born. Joe loved people and he was easy to love. Most of all he loved his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and his two little dogs Sophie & Maggie. Joe is survived by his wife Patsy, three son's and one daughter; David Vasquez (Yolanda) Clinton, UT, Colleen Taylor (Rick) Rockledge, FL, John Vasquez (Debbie) Clinton, UT, Bruce Johnson (Susan H) Keedysville, MD, ten grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be held on Monday, August 1st at the St. George 1st Ward Chapel at 12:00 noon, on the corner of Bluff Street and 500 North. Friends may call at the Chapel on Sunday July 31st from 6 to 9 P.M. and one hour prior to the funeral service. The family requests no flowers. In honor of Joe's love of service please make a donation to your favorite charity or spend some time volunteering in your community in his memory.