Joe Edward Contreras, Jr.

Joe Edward Contreras Jr., was born 1/23/32 to Lillian Luna Contreras and Joseph Edward Contreras Sr., in Fresno Ca. He passed away on March 21, 2026. He grew up in Planada Ca. and attended LeGrand High School, where he met his first wife Julia Torres. They were married on 4/22/1950 and had 7 children together. He later moved on to Merced and met Velma White. They were subsequently married on May 10, 1980, after a lengthy relationship. They lived in Reno, Nv, Redding and back to Merced eventually settling down at “Mi Ranchito” on Buhach Road. Joe is survived by two siblings, Daniel Contreras and Alicia Ochoa, 5 children Theresa Andren (Jeff Teverbaugh), Steven Contreras, David Contreras, Edward J Contreras, and Elizabeth (Bill) Azevedo. 4 stepchildren, Arnetta Haley, Susan White, Kevin White and Monteen Gomes. Along with 24 grandchildren, 34 Great Grandchildren, and 5 Great-Great child. Joe is preceded in death by his parents Lillian and Joe Contreras Sr., wife Velma Contreras and former wife Julia Contreras (mother of his children) and son’s Leonard Contreras, Richard (Dickie) Contreras, and stepson Mark White.

Services are scheduled for May 1, 2026, at 11:00am at the Sacred Heart Church in Planada, Ca. There will be a reception immediately following at the Sacred Heart Hall. Inurnment will be private.

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