Joe R Meza

TSgt Joe R. Meza, USAF - Retired passed away on November 28, 2013 at the age of 79. He was preceded in death by his wife, Bettie J. Meza and his brother, Ronnie Meza. He is survived by his son: Timothy M. Meza and his wife, Julie; brothers: Jon Meza, Richard Meza, Ray Meza, Jesse Meza, grandchildren: Amanda Braden, William Meza, Sandi Fredette. He is also survived by his great-grandchildren: Taylor, Alexis, Michael, and Annalia.

Joe was born in Deer Park, TX to Reynaldo and Benedita Gonzales Meza on January 28, 1934. Joe attended Elementary and High School in Deer Park. While attending school, Joe worked in the family garden and picked seasonal fruits and vegetables to sell at Hunt’s Grocery Store. Joe and his brothers would also take eggs to sell on consignment and get a penny an egg to help the family. Joe and his brothers would also milk the cows so their Mother could make white cheese and the boys would take the cheese to Schell Refinery to sell to the workers. Jesse said they would do this all the time.

When Joe graduated from High School, he entered the Air Force. While in the Air Force, Joe met and married Bettie Joyce Long Meza and they had one son, Timothy Mark Meza. Tim was born in Wahiawa, HI while Joe and Bettie were stationed there. Bettie and Tim followed Joe to places like, Travis AFB, Grand Forks AFB, ND, Ethiopia, and back to Wheeler AFB, HI. Joe also did remote tours in Vietnam and Korea. While in the Air Force, Joe worked as a Crypto Analyst.

Joe was also a member of the Knights of Columbus for over 50 years. Joe joined the Knights while stationed in Hawaii. He held several high positions while he was member of the Knights. Being a Knight was very important to Joe. He never missed a meeting and volunteered for several positions while he was in. The Knights presided over the funeral of his wife Bettie in 2011.

After retiring from the Air Force in 1972, Joe, Bettie and Tim moved to Weatherford, TX where Joe continued to work for JC Penny for many years in the automotive section. While working at JC Penny in TX, Joe met his best friend in life, Joe Gratts who kept in contact with Joe until the end. Joe worked at Ryan Oldsmobile in Ft. Worth and then worked over ten years at JB Hunt doing long haul driving. While at JB Hunt, Joe was a driver trainer for many years. Joe retired for good in 2001.

In 2009, Joe and Bettie moved to San Antonio, TX so his son and daughter-in-law could help care for Bettie.