Joe Juarez, 94, of Hutchinson, Kansas, passed away October 24, 2020 at The Legends Retirement Center, in Hutchinson, Kansas.  A native Kansan, he was the son of Paublin and Paublina Juarez.  He was born June 1, 1926.

A veteran of the United States Navy, he served two tours of duty working as a naval ship radio operator.  After his service, he returned to Kansas and enjoyed his career as a machinist and machinist supervisor at Cessna until he retired in 1991.  He was a long standing member of Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in South Hutchinson.  Joe ( Joker) loved playing poker at the G.I. Forum and traveling out of town to play.  He enjoyed his Lincolns, his T-Birds, nice clothes, hats and shiny shoes.  He spent many a Saturday going to garage sales with his wife, Chela, and road trips to Wichita, Newton, and McPherson visiting family and friends.  He always kept his yard immaculate.

On June 1, 1965 he married the love of his life, Chela Ruiz, in Hutchinson, Kansas.  Together they live at 1514 Landon for 50 years before she preceded him in death in 2015.

Survivors include: his children: one daughter, Linda Juarez of Denver, Colorado; one son, Kevin Juarez of Hutchinson, Kansas and one step son, Carlos ( Bev) Zizumbo of Salina, Kansas; one brother, Vincent ( Sally) Juarez of Westminster, Colorado.

He was preceded in death by: his parents, his wife, three brothers, Jose, Rodolfo, and Richard; two sisters, Carolina and Maria; two step sons, Manuel and Jim.

Friends may visit and sign the guest book, Wednesday, October 28, 2020, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Old Mission-Heritage Funeral Home, 528 North Main Street, Hutchinson, Kansas.  A celebration of life will be held, Thursday, October 29, 2020 at 10:30 a.m. at the funeral home with interment to follow at Fairlawn Burial Park, 2401 Carey Boulevard, Hutchinson, Kansas, with military honors.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Reno County Alzheimer's Association and left in care of the funeral home.