Jose Belen Melendez, 89, of Brush entered eternal Life on June 5, 2025 surrounded by family & loved ones.  He was born January 29, 1936 to Ventura and Maria de Jesus Melendez in San Luis Potosi, Mexico.  He was the oldest of 16 children, he had 7 brothers and 8 sisters.

Jose worked for many years as a farm hand in Texas.  After moving to Brush in 1989 he worked at Brush Greenhouse for several years and then went on to work at Cargill Meat Solutions, where he later retired.

Jose had so many quirky quotes and sayings.  Here are a few of the family favorites; "la vida del pobre" (the life of the poor); "nomas por que madruga, no quiere decir que amanece mas temprano" (just because you get up early, doesn't mean the sun will rise sooner). "I don't know Sundown", "I don't know pecaon"; and "waaaiiit a minute, waaiiit a minute"!

He had the best sense of humor an unforgettable laugh & a smile that will be greatly missed!!

Jose will always be remembered for his love of gardening. He spent hours tending to his garden while whistling and singing, to say he had a green thumb is an understatement. He was a pool shark, rarely losing a round of pool.  He loved spending time listening to corridos and rancheras while enjoying cold ones.

Jose married Maria Tello on January 12, 1965.  He always said it was love at first sight. Always told his children the story of when he first saw their mother, he would never forget the first time he saw her in a beautiful yellow dress, and that was why yellow became his favorite color.

Jose and Maria had five children, Jaime (Irene) Melendez; Lorena Melendez; Angie Melendez, Violeta (Daniel) Marquez; Eddy (Candice) Melendez, who he cleverly gave quirky nicknames and proudly passed on his work ethic and family values.

Jose and Maria were also blessed with extended family that they loved as their own, their Moya children, Alfonso Moya; Carlos (Dina) Moya Jr; Danny (Shelly) Moya; Gerry (Sela) Moya, Jeanette Moya, and their children and grandchildren.

Jose and Maria were a blessing to 19 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren.  His unconditional love for them was shown through his actions and words every time he would see them.

Jose is proceeded in death by his beloved and beautiful wife Maria; his parents Ventura and Maria de Jesus Melendez; brothers Victor, Roberto, and Candido Melendez, twin baby brothers, and baby sister Estefania Melendez.

Visitation will be held at Heer Mortuary Tuesday, June 10, 20205 from 4-6 PM. Mass of Christian Burial will be Wednesday June 11, 2025 at St. Mary's Catholic Church, in Brush, at 10:30 AM.

Jose's service can be viewed at OneRoom.