OBITUARY
Jose Enrique Gallegos was born on July 15, 1949, to Fernanda Valadez. He passed away unexpectedly on December 9.
His sudden passing has brought deep sorrow to his family and all who knew and loved him. He leaves behind a profound sense of loss, yet also a lifetime of memories filled with strength, love, and inspiration.
Jose was the most hardworking man, someone who could never sit still and was always moving forward with purpose.
His love and devotion to his family were unwavering, and everything he did was rooted in his desire to provide, protect, and build a better life for those he loved. He was a man of strong faith, guided by deep beliefs that shaped his character and values.
Without the benefit of a formal education, Jose taught himself to read and write and learned mathematics on his own through determination and persistence. His strong work ethic led him to start his own swimming pool construction business. Through years of tireless work, he invested in real estate and ultimately built his own home from the bottom up—creating a lasting foundation for his family.
Jose was also a natural historian and storyteller. He had a remarkable memory and could share amazing stories from the past, keeping family history alive through his words. He found peace and joy in nature, often appreciating its beauty and simplicity, which reflected his own grounded spirit.
He is survived by his lifelong companion, Diana Gallegos of San Angelo. His children; David E Gallegos (wife Jessica) of Marble Falls. Angie Cardenas (husband Javier Cardenas) of San Angelo. Joshua M Gallegos of Round Rock, and Amanda Montoya Gallegos of Abilene. Grandchildren; David Gallegos, Sara Gallegos, Amanda Gallegos, Catalina Gallegos, Celeste Pickelman, Nathalia Gallegos, Gia Gallegos, Joshua Gallegos, Adrian Ahmad, Brittany Escobar, Edward Flores III, Matthew Flores, Brenna and Jeremey Gonzales, Robert Angel Cemantil, and Andrea Chappa. Along with many cherished great-grandchildren who lovingly knew him as “Lito.”
He is also survived by his brother, Vidal Castillo of Abilene, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Jose Enrique Gallegos will be remembered as a devoted father, grandfather, brother, and companion—a man of faith, resilience, wisdom, and boundless love. His legacy will live on through the stories he told, the life he built, and the family he so deeply cherished.
Visitation: Sunday, December 14, 2025, from 2 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Funeral Service: Monday, December 15, at 2 p.m. Harper Funeral Home, in San Angelo, with burial to follow at Belvedere Cemetery.
— From Harper Funeral Home
