Joe Steve Vera

Donna - Joe Steve Vera, 69, passed away on Wednesday, December 21, 2022 at Knapp Medical Center in Weslaco, TX.  Funeral arrangements are under the care of Hawkins Funeral Home in Donna.

Jose Esteban “Steve” Vera, a native of La Grulla died the morning of December 21, 2022, at Knapp Medical Center in Weslaco, TX from a heart attack.  He is the son of Jose Maria “Chema” Vera and Marie Vera. 

He leaves behind his wife Isabel R. Vera of Donna, three sisters, Barbara Carroll (Bill), Gloria Lee Vera (Sergio Madrigal), and Rita Barrera (Aristedes), and numerous nieces and nephews. 

He was preceded in death by his son Adrian Vera, his parents, and his brother Jerry Boren.

Steve attended primary and elementary schools in La Grulla and was a graduate of Rio Grande City High School where he excelled in Mathematics.  He graduated from the University of Texas in Austin in 1975 with a degree in Mathematics.  He took an early retirement from his job as a Programmer Analyst with the Texas Department of Health and Human Services.   He continued to use his skills as a programmer after his retirement, combining his expertise in programming with his passion for poetry and art on his website www.poeticah.com, which features some of his innovative and creative art, design, writing and poetry.  He was a member of several poetry associations, a writer of two poetry chap books, and contributor to an anthology of poetry from the Rio Grande Valley.  He was particularly passionate about fostering cross border art and poetry events. 

Steve was known for his infectious smile, quick wit, and kind and compassionate nature.  He lived in Austin, Texas, and as of 2000 divided his time between his home in Austin and his home in Donna, Texas. 

Steve was cremated, and a memorial service in his honor will be held at Hawkins Funeral Home in Donna, Texas, on March 4, 2023.

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