Joe Gaona

Joe Gaona, 90, formerly of Amarillo, passed peacefully in his home surrounded by his family on January 29, 2023 in Lake Jackson, Texas. The family will receive guests on Friday, February 3, 2023 from 4pm to 6pm at Rector Funeral Home, 2800 S. Osage in Amarillo. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, February 4, 2023 at 10am in the funeral home's Osage Chapel with Pastor Greg Corona presiding. Burial will follow in Llano Cemetery. Joe was born on October 12, 1932, to the late Nicolas and Teresita Gaona in Conlen, Texas. He was drafted into the US Army from High School where he served as Military Police in the Korean War. He was honored to serve his country and proudly wore his favorite Korean War Veteran hat. Joe worked for The Rock Island Railroad and later retired from The Burlington Northern Railroad in 1994. He often shared stories of his time in Korea and his experiences while working on the railroad. Joe appreciated spending time with his children and grandchildren and loved family gatherings to celebrate holidays, birthdays, or any excuse to eat great food or cake and ice cream. He enjoyed reading, listening to old country music and watching wrestling on TV. Joe will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who knew and loved him. Joe was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Ivon Gaona; his son Gary Gaona; his sisters, Mary Lou Gaona, Lois Ortega; brother Raymond Gaona; and his grandson Jacob McKinney. He leaves behind to cherish his loving memory, his daughters Theresa Nesmith of Danbury, TX, Laurie (Danny) McKinney of Lake Jackson, TX, son Alan Gaona of Lake Jackson, TX; six grandchildren: Bridget (Stephen) Edwards, Brandy (Bobby) Latour, Jessica McKinney, Mick McKinney, Joseph Gaona, Catherine (Brandon) Williams; and 8 great-grandchildren. Visitation Friday, February 03, 2023 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM Rector Funeral Home 2800 South Osage Amarillo, Texas 79103 Funeral Service Saturday, February 04, 2023 10:00 AM Rector Funeral Home 2800 South Osage Amarillo, Texas 79103