Joe O. Gutierrez

Joe “Jody” O. Gutierrez  passed away on February 4, 2025. He was born on May 15, 1961, in Waco, Texas, the youngest and only son of Joe Albert Gutierrez and Stella Luevano.

Memorial Service: 2PM Saturday, February 8, 2025 at Primera Iglesia Bautista Waco, 510 N 4th St Waco, Texas 76701.

Jody attended Brook Avenue Elementary, West Junior High, and Jefferson Moore High School, where he discovered his passion for printing—a passion that led him to a successful career as a pressman. In his youth, Jody worked alongside his father at their barbershop and helped Freddy shine shoes. At the age of twelve, he joined the carnival crew, marking the beginning of his diverse work experiences. He officially began his career as a pressman in Houston, Texas, in the early 1980s, working at Airline Graphics, Nobles Continuing Education, and Waco Printing, where he eventually retired as a manager.

Jody’s childhood was filled with a love for sports. He played karate, baseball, and football, and enjoyed fishing, surfing, and biking through the neighborhoods. He earned a brown belt in karate and was dedicated to teaching others self-defense. His passion for baseball and football extended into his adult life as he coached his children and local kids at the community center. Fishing remained a cherished activity; one he loved to share with his father and later passed on to his children. Weekend fishing trips with family and friends became cherished traditions. Jody also found joy in surfing and often rode his bike through Cameron Park, enjoying the camaraderie of friends during disc golf outings.

In the 1960s, Jody met Debbie, a childhood friend, and they began dating in October 1981. They married in August 1986 and welcomed four children: Joe, Jeremy, Matthew, and Valerie. Though they divorced in 2002, Debbie’s grandmother, Aurora, always reminded them they were still married in the eyes of God. Jody cherished his relationship with Debbie and valued their years together.

During retirement, Jody relished spending time with his friends, whom he affectionately called the “Stoop Troop,” delving into car repair projects, and enjoying family gatherings. His typical day included listening to music, caring for his chickens, and collecting “six eggs a day”. He cherished leisurely rides around Cameron Park, relaxing by the Brazos River while searching for medicinal bird feathers. He often spent hours tinkering with his truck, punctuated by a quick snack of ceviche and a generous slice of pizza from Shorty’s.

Jody was preceded in death by Elvira Capetillo (Mamo), Antonio Luevano (Papa Tony), Joe Albert Gutierrez, Rafaela (Chita) and Jesse Chapa, Arthur Capetillo, Ray Sanchez, Joe Sanchez, Rudy and Mary Sanchez, Benny Quintanilla and best friends, Rico & Gaylon.

He was survived by mother, Stella Cirilo; ex-wife, Debbie Ann Gutierrez; children; Joe Orlando Gutierrez II, Jeremy Martin Gutierrez, Matthew Antonio Gutierrez, and Valerie Mechelle Gutierrez; siblings, Genevieve Gutierrez Ramos, Jeanette Quintanilla, Stella Yolanda Castillo, Joel Lozano, Justin Lozano, Sierra D’Nay Harbert, and Alishia Meshea Reyes; nieces and nephews, Stephanie Leah Gutierrez, Melanie Renae and Phillip Beals, Natalie Rae and Matthew Proctor, Sitina September Gutierrez, Jose Luis and Linda Castillo, Sofia Rakell, Nina Alayna Quintanilla, Julio Anhel and Zaria Castillo, Alisha Sonia and Orlando Rodriguez, Mariah Lozano, Prince Lozano, Charlotte Lozano, Deontay Davon Majors, Dominay Marie Majors, J’Nay Dior Bryant, Janelle Milani Bryant, Hermosa Love Carver, Ayden O’Neal Smith, and Drayden O’Neal Smith; godchildren, Gennah Yavonne and Dailon Degrate, Lukas Kyle and Vanessa Gutierrez, Julian Andres DeLeon, Elijah Keith Gutierrez, Clarrissa Rose Brown, Shade Taylor Busby, Johen Robert DeLeon, Christian Adan Quintanilla, Isaiah Kane Watley, Jayden Tres DeLeon; great nieces and nephews; six great great nieces and nephews; lifelong friends, Jesse Chapa Jr. “Bubu”, Teddy DeLeon, John Henry, Anthony Sanchez “Cuz”, Rick “Slick Rick”, Frank Rosas, Bobby “Captain”, Josh Bing, Jacob Davis, Paul Melendez Jr. “PJ”, Edward Garcia “Big E”, Cedro, Ryan Spray, and James Delgatti.

He was Uncle Jody and Father to many

Loved by ALL – forever & ALWAYS

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. – Philippians 4:13”

Place of Service: Primera Iglesia Bautista , 520 N. 4th St.; Waco, TX 76701