Joe R. Luis Jr., age 96, passed away peacefully on July 12, 2012 in Lompoc. Joe was born on Bucknell Rd., in Orcutt on February 16, 1916 to Joe R. Luis Sr. & Filomena (Silva). Joe spent many years farming and raising cattle. He also enjoyed baling hay, milking cows, growing berries and vegetables on his ranch on Hwy 246. Joe married Helen Cardoza in 1936. They had four children, nine grandchildren and five great grandchildren. Joe is survived by his brother Tony Luis of Arroyo Grande, his sons Ed Luis (Myra) of Santa Paula and Jerry Luis of Lompoc. Joe was preceded in death by his loving wife Helen in 2004, son Leonard in 1994, daughter Linda in 1999, grandson John Azevedo in 2004 and brother Frank in 2011.

A vigil service will be held at 7 p.m. Thursday, July 19, 2012 at the chapel of Starbuck-Lind Mortuary. A funeral mass will be celebrated 10 a.m. Friday, July 20th at La Purisima Catholic Church with Rev. Tom Cook officiating. Burial will follow at Lompoc Evergreen Cemetery. Visitation hours will be Thursday from 4 to 8 p.m. at the mortuary.