Joseph Rangel

Joseph (Joe) Rangel, 89, of Kansas City, KS, passed away peacefully on December 4, 2024. He was born on March 18, 1935, in Turner, KS, to Antonio and Concepcion Rangel. He was the youngest of their six children. Joe lost his father at the young age of two and soon after began helping his mother and siblings in the fields, picking radishes and potatoes to support the family. It was there that he learned the values of hard work and commitment to family. Joe attended Turner and Emerson Grade Schools in Kansas City, KS, and graduated from Argentine High School in 1954. Upon graduation, he enlisted and served three years in the U.S. Coast Guard. He later attended Donnelly College and St. Mary of the Plains College, earning a B.S. in Elementary Education, and went on to earn a Master’s Degree in Social Work. He became a teacher, instructing grade school at St. Agnes Catholic School in Roeland Park, KS, before working for the Kansas Department of SRS as a social worker and supervisor. Joe deeply enjoyed his work because of his love for helping others. He also worked part-time for 30 years at Manny's Mexican Restaurant in Kansas City, MO. Joe was a founding and lifelong member of the Kansas City Chapter of the Pan American Golf Association (P.A.G.A.) and a member of the American Legion Post 213, St. John the Divine, and Sacred Heart Church. A man of great faith, he was deeply devoted to St. Jude. Joe played softball for the American Legion Post 213 (Argentine Eagles Nest) and was an avid golfer. In his later years, he cherished the camaraderie of his "Mexican Mondays" golf group. He also enjoyed traveling with family and friends throughout the U.S. and Mexico, but his greatest passion in life was his family and grandchildren. In May 1968, Joe married the love of his life, Carmen Peña, and with her came two children, whom he adopted. How lucky we were that he "chose" us to be his family and love us. We will carry him in our hearts forever. Joe was preceded in death by his parents and beloved siblings: Antonio Rangel, Solomon Rangel, Esperanza Amayo, Dolores Vargas, and Genaro Rangel. Their memories remained a guiding force throughout his life. He is survived by his children: Xavier Rangel (Britta) and Laura Marin (Tony), who will forever cherish his wisdom and love. He also leaves behind his former wife and friend, Carmen Rangel, and his sister-in-law, Mary Ann Rangel. His legacy lives on in his grandchildren: Anthony Marin (Jessica), Robert Marin, Alexandra Leonard, Marissa Rangel, Joseph Rangel, and Gabriella Lamkey (Scott), as well as his great-grandchildren: Ava, Grace, Zoe, Nora, James, and Olivia. Friends and family are invited to honor Joe's life on Friday, December 13, 2024, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 2646 S. 34th St., Kansas City, KS, where a visitation will take place from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., followed by a rosary at 10:30 a.m., and a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m. Joe will be laid to rest at Leavenworth National Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider a donation in his name to Sacred Heart/Our Lady of Unity Catholic Church or Friends of Yates Shelter in Kansas City, KS. The family would also like to extend heartfelt thanks to Claudia Larkin, Patty Nelson, and Bruce Conley for the great care and compassion they provided in his final days. Gratitude is also extended to the Kansas City VA, especially the doctors and nurses in Hematology/Oncology and Infusion, as well as the Shawnee VA Clinic. Special thanks to his doctors and nurses at KU and St. Luke's North Hospitals.

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Joseph Rangel

March 18, 1935 - December 4, 2024