Deacon Joe Cruz, 80, longtime Guymon resident, passed away Tuesday, August 13, 2024 at his home surrounded by his loving family.

The son of Raymond and Ida (Perea) Cruz, he was born November 10, 1943 in Clayton, New Mexico.  Joe attended school in Clayton, graduating with the Class of 1961.  Joe served in the Army National Guard.

He and Dorothy Garcia were united in marriage on February 8, 1963 in Clayton. They moved to Guymon following marriage. They celebrated 61 years of marriage this year.

Joe worked for Texas County Court as an interpreter, jail administrator and custodian for several years.  Joe served St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church as deacon for over 40 years and his ministry work was always a priority.  He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, Guymon Elks Lodge, and served as St. Peter's youth director in the 70's and 80's.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Ida Cruz, four sisters: Angie Martinez, Marcella Madrid, Cathy Segovia and Lena Cruz, one brother, Lawrence Cruz and William Howenstein.

Survivors include his wife, Dot Cruz of the home, three children: Danny Cruz and wife, Terri of San Antonio, Texas, Tammy Jones of Woodstock, Georgia, and DeeAnn Helton of Guymon.  Survivors also include six grandchildren: Courtney Barretto and husband, Miguel of San Antonio, Corey Cruz of San Antonio, Seth Jones and wife Michelle of Woodstock, Georgia, Tayler Jones of Neptune Beach, Florida, Casey Cruz of San Antonio and Addison Helton of Guymon; one great grandson, Noah Joseph Jones of Woodstock; two sisters, Ernestine Cruz and Martha Cruz both of Guymon, and two brothers, Frank Cruz and wife Donna and Raymond Cruz Jr. all of Amarillo, Texas.  He is also survived by numerous In-Laws, nieces and nephews.

Visitation with the family present will be Thursday evening, August 15th between the hours of 5:00 and 7:00 p.m. at Bunch – Roberts Funeral Home.  Rosary services will be Friday, August 16th at 7:30 p.m. at St. Peter's Catholic Church.  Mass of Christian Burial will be Saturday afternoon, August 17th at 2:00 p.m. at St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church with Father, John Herrera celebrant.  Interment with military honors will follow in the Elmhurst Cemetery.

Memorials in memory of Joe may be given to the Alzheimer's Association or Muscular Dystrophy Association.  Memorials will be accepted at Bunch – Roberts Funeral Home, P.O. Box 1112, Guymon, Oklahoma 73942.  Friends can sign the online guestbook and leave condolences at www.bunchroberts.com.