Joe A. Minjares, 84

Joe A. Minjares, 84, passed away on Oct. 23, 2006, in Spokane Wash.

Born March 26, 1922, in Dona Ana, N.M., Joe was one of eight brothers and sisters born to Tereso and Paz Minjares. He was raised in Sidney, and later moved to the Los Angeles area.

Joe is a veteran of World War II, having served on active duty with the U.S. Army from Nov. 11, 1942, to Feb. 2, 1946. During that time, Joe rose to the rank of sergeant, and saw extensive service overseas in Burma during the India/Burma campaign. After serving his country, he met and married Sylvia Zepeda on Aug. 6, 1951, in Las Vegas.

Joe began his own business and established Taco Joe's Mexican restaurant, in Bell, Calif., which he operated for many years. He later moved and started the Vista Linda Restaurant in Somers.

He was loved and will be missed by many. He is survived by a son, Samuel Minjares and wife Lillian, of Lompoc Calif.; two daughters, Cynthia Pound and husband James, of Somers, and Sylvia Lundquist and husband John, of Spokane; sister, Lupe Rodriquez; five grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

Graveside services will be held at Conrad Memorial Cemetery at 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 4. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to the American Kidney Fund, 6110 Executive Blvd., Suite 1010, Rockville, MD 20852, or a charity of your choice. Arrangements have been entrusted to Hennessey Valley Funeral Home and Crematory.