Joe Rios

Joe Rios, age 72, of Johnson, Kansas, died April 11, 2015 at Bob Wilson Memorial Hospital in Ulysses, Kansas. He was born July 7, 1942 in Asherton, Texas the son of Encarnacion Rios and Margarita (Rodriguez) Rios.

Joe spent his childhood in Texas and Nebraska. He served in the U.S. Army and was honorably discharged in 1966. Joe moved to Ulysses, Kansas in the 1970’s and in 1976 moved to Johnson, Kansas. Joe was a farmer. He farmed in Stanton County for many years. He enjoyed his family, playing dominoes, going to the casino and having coffee with his friends.

Joe married Melva Santoya on September 3, 1966 in Carrizo Springs, Texas; she survives. 

Other survivors include two sons; Jose Rios, Jr of Johnson, Kansas, and Jason Joe Rios and wife Jennifer of Johnson, Kansas, two daughters; Juanita De La Pena and husband Claudio of Johnson, Kansas, and Mari Rios and companion James Oxford of Johnson, Kansas. Four brothers; Ruben Rios of Hereford, Texas, Jessie Rios of Anchorage, Alaska, Enrique Rios of Hereford, Texas and Tony Rios, Jr. of Hereford, Texas. Four sisters; Josephina Hernandez of Hereford, Texas, Paula Rodriguez of Brownwood, Texas, Tiburcia Rios of Hereford, Texas and Maria Chavez of Austin, Texas, twelve grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.  

Joe is preceded in death by his parents, one daughter; Anna Belle Rios and one sister; Cathy Bastardo.

Funeral service will be held Wednesday, April 15, 2015, at 2:00 p.m. at Fields Memorial Wesleyan Church in Johnson, Kansas with Reverend Kurt Rovenstine officiating. Burial will follow at the Stanton County Cemetery, with Military Rites by VFW Post 3684 in Johnson. Friends may call from 2:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 14, 2015, at Garnand Funeral Home in Johnson, Kansas. Memorial contributions may be given to the Joe Rios Memorial Fund in care of Garnand Funeral Home, P.O. Box 715, Johnson, Kansas 67855.