Jose' Estrellas Sarmiento
February 7, 1933 - May 12, 2019
Obituary
Jose Estrellas Sarmiento, 86, died Sunday, May 12, 2019 at his home in Des Moines, Washington.
He leaves his wife of 55 years, Pepita (Porras) Sarmiento; his oldest son, Joseph Sarmiento and his children, Jacob and Juliana; and his youngest son, Robert Sarmiento, his wife Jennifer, and children Mia and Roman.
Born and raised in Zamboanga in the Philippines, the son of Joseph Johnston and Esperanza Estrellas, he came to the United States in 1956 and lived the majority of his life in Des Moines, Washington.
After graduating from the University of Washington with a B.A. in Business Administration and Personnel in 1963, he worked in the Philippines for Bueno Industrial for two years and moved back to the U.S. in 1967. He then worked for Standard Oil and eventually owned and operated his own Chevron gas station in Auburn, Washington.
After retiring from Chevron in 1989, Jose would have more time for his favorite hobbies which included golfing, traveling, and fishing. But even more important he would have time to be “Lolo” for his four grandchildren.
Jose had an outgoing personality and cheerful sense of humor. He left a smile with everyone around him. Whether it was singing in church, whistling tunes while working around the house, enjoying his eclectic musical selections, learning about other cultures in his travels with his wife, or cheering wildly in the stands at his sons’ sporting events, Jose always displayed a curiosity and passion for life. He will be sorely missed by everyone…from his family and friends, to the random people he’d encounter around town.
A public viewing will be held Tuesday May 21st from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Bonney-Watson funeral home in SeaTac, Washington followed by a burial service at 2 p.m. at Washington Memorial Park.
Manang Joe, You will be missed. Your smile and the hugs, whenever we ran into you.
Your laugh is what I will remember the most. As an adult, I recognize all the love you gave to this little girl who you took time to play with, share food with and nurture. God bless you and keep you close.