Jose Montoya

Jose Montoya Hernandez of Mineral Wells, also known as Don Jose by his church family, died peacefully on Saturday, July 7,following a short illness. He would have had his 70th birthday on July 15. Jose was a strong, humble, and quiet man who was proud of his American citizenship which he achieved in his early years while working for Tom and Teenie Reilly on their ranch west of town. He was a cow man, caretaker, and right-hand man on the Reilly Double TT Ranch for over 40 years and until the time of his death.

Jose was born to J. Trinidad Montoya and Gerarda Hernandez inEl Sauz, Mexico on July 15, 1953.  He came to the states when he was in his early 20’s to make a good life for himself and to help support his parents in Mexico. He certainly achieved those goals.

Besides the Reillys, who considered Jose family, he leaves behind his church family from Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church. He was very committed to his parish and his church family was extremely important to him. One of the members said that Jose would give the shirt off his back to anyone that needed it. We all lost a good man, a quiet man, and an even better friend.

Jose is survived by four siblings: Maria Ramires of Chicago, Gonzalo Montoya of Austin, Efrain Montoya of Houston and Carlos Montoya of Orlando, Florida.

On Tuesday, July 11, there will be a Mass and Rosary at 6:00 pm at the funeral home. The Funeral Mass will be on Wednesday, July 12 at 10:00 am. A private burial will follow in the Reilly Family Cemetery. Reilly family members and church family friends will be pallbearers.

Baum-Carlock-Bumgardner Funeral Home, 302 W Hubbard St. Mineral Wells, is handling arrangements.

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