Jose ‘Joe’ Angel Espinosa, Jr., 90, passed away Oct. 2, 2026, at Azria Health Woodhaven in Great Bend, Kan. He was born Dec. 23, 1935, in Alice, Texas, to Jose and Natalia (Ramirez) Espinosa.
Joe loved life. He worked hard as a laborer, spending most of his working years as a truck driver until his vision began to fail causing him to retire. Although Joe’s vision eventually declined to the point of total blindness, he never lost his lust for life and his deep love of family. He lived independently for many years despite his disability and was an inspiration to all that knew him.
Joe was baptized on May 5, 1974, as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Declaring the good news of God’s Kingdom brought him true joy. He eagerly anticipated the fulfillment of the Bible’s prophecy at Isaiah 35:5 that promises, “At that time the eyes of the blind will be opened.”
Survivors include two sons John Espinosa, of Great Bend, Ted Espinosa and wife Merrill, of Otis; three brothers, Butch Espinosa, Robert Espinosa, of Great Bend, and Gilbert Espinosa and wife Cindy, of St. Louis, Mo.; two sisters, Jane Stejskal, of Great Bend, and Lalita Semon and husband Mark, of Wichita; three sisters-in-law, Karla Espinosa, Sharon Espinosa, and Barbara Espinosa of Great Bend; seven grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; and five great-great-grandchildren; also many stepchildren and step-grandchildren; many nieces, nephews, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; wives, Irene, Rose, and Judy; son, Joe Junior Espinosa II; three brothers Lawrence Espinosa, Oscar Espinosa, and Jesse Espinosa.
Memorial service will be held at 2 p.m., Friday, Oct. 9, 2026, with Michael L. Espinosa presiding at Bryant Funeral Home. Memorials are suggested to the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, in care of Bryant Funeral Home,1425 Patton Rd., Great Bend, KS 67530. Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.bryantfh.net.
Funeral arrangements provided by
Bryant Funeral Home
1425 Patton Rd.
Great Bend, KS 67530
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Oct. 6, 2026
