OK Obits

© Havenbrook Funeral Home
Submitted by: Janet Laubhan Flickinger

Jose Gustavo "Joe" Parra Rivera

August 16, 1951 ~ November 23, 2013 (age 62)

Jose Gustavo Parra Rivera, 62, of Norman, Oklahoma passed away November 23, 2013.  He was born August 16, 1951 in Delicias, Venezuela to Faubriciano Parra and Julia Rivera. 

Jose retired from General Motors where he worked as an assembler. 

He married Diane Parra on October 12, 2002.  

Jose was a gifted soccer player, having played professionally in a junior league before coming to the United States.  He was also a wonderful cook, paella, Chinese rice and arepas were his specialties.  He also loved westerns, whether television shows or movies.  At home or at work, he was the life of the party; by far the biggest kid on the block and always had a joke or two to make you smile.  In recent years he had struggled with complications from diabetes and end stage renal disease.  He is now free from pain, at peace in the arms of the Lord and playing soccer in the fields of Heaven.  

Jose was preceded in death by his parents.  He was survived by his wife, Diane Parra; his daughter, Karen Kating and husband David; his two grandchildren, Zak and Evan Kating; his son, David Parra and girlfriend Bridget Lohn; his step-son Jeff Jackson;  sisters-in-law, Judy Ryan, Kelly Bergman and husband Rich; father-in-law, Harold Ryan and numerous relatives in Venezuela.  

The family would like to send  heartfelt gratitude and love to his healthcare team:  Dr. David Williams and staff; Dr. Taysha Howell and staff; Dr. Darin Haivala and staff; Healing Touch Home Health Agency.

Per Jose's wishes there will be no funeral or formal service.  He said, "Have a party, have a beer, tell a joke, and share a memory."

Memorials may be made to the American Diabetes Association or the National Kidney Foundation. 

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