Jose Duron

Little Joe Duron was a friendly fellow who counted his family as his greatest treasure. He was talented, and had an insatiable interest in cars. With his great sense of humor, and when coupled with his big, bright smile, Little Joe brought a ray of sunshine to everyone’s day. Although he will be deeply missed, Jose’s outgoing nature and fun-loving ways will be forever remembered.

The end of World War II in 1945 was a time of great celebration from coast to coast. As young servicemen came home to marry their sweethearts, the baby boom was officially off and running. New families were moving into newly developed suburbs in droves, and U.S. manufacturers quickly turned at-war production into post-war innovations to meet heightened demand for household and consumer goods. It was an exciting time for many, especially in the lives of Jose C. and Petra F. (Jimenez) Duron when they welcomed the birth of their son, Jose into their arms on June 7, 1945 in Plainwell, Michigan.

From his earliest beginnings, Jose was affectionately known as, “Little Joe”, and grew up in the small community of Orangeville, Michigan where his father worked in construction. His mother was a seamstress, and looked after Jose, the eldest of their children, along with his younger siblings, Jim, Adelita, Gloria, and David. Growing up, Jose enjoyed playing with their family dog, and his guinea pig until it sadly escaped one day. With endless adventure, Jose enjoyed a childhood filled with the love of family.

Jose attended school in Plainwell through the eighth grade. During his youth, and even into his later years, he liked making model cars, and was quite talented when it came to drawing freehand. One of his favorite shows included the cartoon, The Roadrunner, which always put a smile on his face, and continued to do so throughout his life.

When Jose wasn’t working in construction, doing field work, or working at an aluminum business in Plainwell, he enjoyed drag racing at Martin Speedway. However, a car accident in February of 1964 left Jose disabled, never to drive or race again. Even so, his love for cars never waned. Whenever he came across a hot rod, or a good looking set of wheels, Jose could hardly resist wanting to check out the engine. He could appreciate the mechanics of a good car, and was quite knowledgeable about an engine’s capability.

In time Jose began living in an adult foster care home. Along with his housemates there, he attended church off and on, and especially liked getting dressed up in a suit and tie for the occasion. Through the years he thoroughly enjoyed traveling back and forth to Texas on vacation to visit extended family, and loved times spent having dinner at the home of his sisters, especially when they were making Mexican food, his favorite. Jose remained very close to his family, and had a particularly good relationship with his aunts and uncles. Although he never married or had any children of his own, Jose had the privilege of enjoying the little ones in his family, and watching them grow.

Jose was especially fond of Latin music, and he loved to sing. His family and friends so enjoyed his outgoing ways, and wonderful sense of humor. Jose’s smile and the sparkle in his eyes validated his special, good spirited inner strength and nature. Even though the course of Jose’s life took a drastic turn early on, he forged ahead with a positive, outgoing demeanor with the love of family by his side. It was through family that Jose found the greatest joy. He will be dearly missed and fondly remembered for ways all his own.

Jose Duron, age 69 of Orangeville passed away Sunday, March 8, 2015 at Bronson Methodist Hospital. Visit with his family and friends on Wednesday, March 11 from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. at the Fountain of Truth Apostolic Church, Shelbyville; 6116 Marsh Rd. A funeral will follow at 11:00 a.m. at the same location. Jose’s family includes his siblings: Jim Duron, Adelita Speed, Gloria (Robert) Garza as well as several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his brother, David Duron and his parents. Please visit Jose’s memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you can archive a favorite memory or photo and sign his memory book online. Memorial donations can be made to Fountain of Truth Apostolic Church.