Jose “Joey” Navarrete, 85, passed away June 8, 2026, at his home in North Platte, Nebraska. Joey was born January 13, 1941, to Jesse and Aranda (Lopez) Navarrete in Platteville, Colorado.

The family moved to Cheyenne, Wyoming, in the early 1940s. In 1955, the family moved to North Platte where grew up. In 1958, Joey joined the National Guard and then enlisted into the United States Army. He served several overseas tours including two tours to Vietnam. He honorably served more than 29 years, retiring in 1988. He felt honored to serve his country and was very proud of his military career. While serving in Korea, he met his future wife, Sue Hokson. After he retired, they moved to Colorado Springs, Colorado, where he worked as a chef at the Officer’s Club as a civilian. He lived in Colorado Springs until 2023, then returned to North Platte to be closer to his family.

Joey enjoyed listening to music, watching war movies, and reading books about the military. He was very generous and kind to his family and friends. Joey will be greatly missed by everyone who knew him.

Joey was preceded in death by his parents Jesse and Aranda; wife Sue; brothers Jesse Jr. and Pete “Peewee”; sisters Nellie “Chita” Serrano and Angel Martinez; and sister-in-law Billie Navarrete.

Survivors include his brothers Richard (Alice) Navarrete of Cheyenne, WY, Eddie Navarrete of Gothenburg, NE, Johnny (Deb) Navarrete of North Platte, NE, Freddie (Stacy) Navarrete of Lincoln, NE, and Robert Alvarado of North Platte, NE; sisters Mary Ellen “Lena” Navarrete of North Platte, NE, Rosalie “Lea” Anthens of North Platte, NE, Anne Montoya of Cameron, OK, and Vera (Manuel) Garza of Platteville, CO; sister-in-law Linda Navarrete of North Platte, NE; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Services will be held Tuesday, June 16, 2026, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church with the Reverend Jonathan Sorensen as celebrant. Rosary will be at 9 a.m. followed by the Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. Burial will be held at Fort McPherson National Cemetery near Maxwell with military honors at noon. Visitation and book signing will be held from noon to 7 p.m. Monday June 15, 2026 at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home, which is in charge of arrangements.