Joseph Thomas Gurule Jr. *
Joseph Thomas Gurule, Jr. “Tom/Bug,” age 71, of Pueblo, CO passed away at Parkview Medical Center on November 22, 2020.
Tom was born to Praxedes “Praxy” (Santistevan) and Jose Tomas “Tom” Gurule, Sr. in Trinidad, CO. He was preceded in death by his parents Praxy and Tom Sr., various relatives, friends and his best life-long friend Carmen Abeyta.
Those left to cherish Tom’s memory are three brothers and a sister: John Timms (Linda) of Trinidad, CO, Ron Gurule (Chris) of Brazil, Isabel Gurule-Partin (Jim) of Chile and Mose Gurule (Donna) of Colorado Springs, CO, his children, grandchildren, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, many cousins and numerous friends.
Tom was married for forty- five years to Gladys Casaus- Gurule. He was the father of his beloved children Shonelle Gurule-Lang (Mother: Lucille Montoya- Gurule) and Natasha Gurule- Rodriguez (Alberto) and his loving step-children Pat Shockey (Tammy) and Tina Sanchez. Tom was the proud grandfather of his beloved grandchildren: Rich, Cloey and Daisy Lang, Asialee Gurule, Carolina and Avery Rodriguez and step- grandchildren Audrey and Jessica Shockey, Steven, Evan and Justin Sanchez. Tom also adored his nieces and nephews Valerie, Tom, Phil and Beth Gurule.
Tom graduated from Trinidad High School in 1968. During his youth he was a bit of a wild card, yet he spent his adult life focused on becoming a generous, kind and loving person who Heaven has no doubt welcomed. He loved hosting family get-togethers, holiday and birthday parties. He enjoyed frequenting the flea market, his dogs, having a few beers and playing Spanish/Mexican music (loudly…haha). Tom and his mother were especially close and would spend hours together listening to Mexican Corridos. As a brother, he was fun-loving, a practical joker and full of mischief. Yet, he would have literally laid down his life for his siblings and children. His eldest daughter, Shonelle, recalls many trips to the mountains with him that instilled in his children a deep-love of nature. She remembers him as a kind father who often said “Hijita, be kind and remember to use lots of honey, not vinegar when dealing with others.” She added, “He was a caring, compassionate, encouraging dad who lifted us up with his joy. He could be a prankster and yet a fierce protector of his Family. His Spirit is living-on in us, his children and grandchildren.”
At Tom’s request there will be no funeral services. His family asks that you please say a prayer in his name, have a beer and listen to a Mexican song or two on his behalf.
Published in The Chronicle-News on Dec. 24, 2020.