Joe Gomez Romero, 92, of Fort Wayne, passed away at his home on January 14, 2023.

Born on June 11, 1931, in San Antonio, Texas, he was a son of the late Jesse H. Gomez, Sr. and Abelia Mary (Rodriguez) Gomez.  The family moved to Fort Wayne, where he graduated from Central High School in 1949.

In the mid 1950s, he married Marlene D. Carr.  They made their home in Fort Wayne, raising five children. Marlene died on November 23, 2022.

For most of his work career, he worked as a salesman in the home improvement trade.  He lived and worked in Tucson, AZ, for a few years, selling insurance.

Joe enjoyed travel, especially by car.  He liked a game of chance, visiting the area casinos, and sometimes venturing to Las Vegas with his son. He is remembered as a sharp dresser, always neat and well-kept.

Surviving are his children, Tom Gomez, Bridgette Bell, Bernard Gomez, Jr., Corine Gomez all of Fort Wayne and Joseph Anthony "Tony" (Susan) Gomez of Columbia City; 12 grandchildren, 27 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; a brother Jesse Gomez, Jr; and sisters, Nacha Cuellar, Vicki (Jim) Meier, Mary Gonzalez, Juanita (Gordon) McMeeking, Lupe (Bill) Murray, Rosie Moeckel, Maggie (Todd) Merchant, and Carmen Hoffman.

He was preceded in death by a brothers, Cecil, Ted, and Louis Gomez and a grandson, Michael Gomez.

There will be no services. Arrangements are in the care of Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City.