Joel Jose Vazquez
April 4, 2001 - September 18, 2023
Joel J. Vazquez born on April 4, 2001, in Austin, Texas was our only child. He was a friendly and optimistic guy with a wise soul who loved and respected nature and the outdoors. He had set goals to live a life full of adventure and learning. He was a proud Texas Aggie studying Environmental Science and planned to graduate in the class of 2023. His passion was to be in and around water. From an early age he taught himself to fish, visiting the creeks, rivers, and lakes he could get to, and introduced many friends to the joys of fishing. His hands were never idle and became proficient at tying fishing flies. As a skillful boater and fisherman, he devoted his time to learn about waterways and fish habitat.
Joel attended Pond Spring Elementary, Deerpark Middle School, and graduated from McNeil High School class of 2019 where he played lacrosse for four years and prior to that was part of the Mini Mavs. He so enjoyed the team, traveling to games with his friends, and even to an Invitational tournament in Maryland. He would walk around the house with his lacrosse stick, showing the latest pocket he had strung. He was a Horseman and in Futures Farmers of America his senior year where he raised a Duroc pig he named Jep and was so proud to take him to shows- he won a show early on and that had him hooked. He would watch movies to chill, his favorite ones were Harry Potter, Talladega Nights, Nacho Libre, and Fast and Furious.
Joel is remembered as the loving, kind, generous, respectful, loyal, devoted, trustworthy, patient, and strong son who loved his family and friends. He was easy going and cool. His cousins enjoyed being around him and will remember him with love and admiration.
Joel was diagnosed with a rare and unforgiving brain stem tumor and on September 18, 2023 passed away peacefully at his home after a two year battle.
He is survived by his parents, Jose and Janina Vazquez, Grandmother, Noemi Pimentel, many uncles, aunts, cousins, and friends who will forever miss him. Joel is the light in our life and our greatest achievement, and we will forever be inspired by his courage.
A celebration of life will be set for a later date.
Under the direction of Beck Funeral Home, Austin, Texas.