Joseph R. Perez

Joseph Raymond Perez passed away peacefully on February 24, 2026, surrounded by family. Born in Visalia, California, Joe was the youngest of three children of Dolores Caseres Perez and Jess Perez Sr., both originally from Mexico. He grew up in Fresno alongside his beloved siblings, Alice Bragg and Jess Perez, Jr. Family lore holds that Alice once brought her adorable little brother to school for show-and-tell. Jess, the eldest, remained a lifelong friend, who shared Joe’s love of scotch.

The Perez home was filled with the warmth of their mother’s cooking (her tamales were known as the best in town) and her talent for sewing every stitch of clothing her children wore. From those early years, Joe developed a keen sense of style. He proudly spent his entire first paycheck on a single shirt. If you know Joe, you aren’t even mildly surprised.

Joe served his country for two and a half years in Korea, as a Military Policeman for the Army.

Joe is survived by his two children, Gina Perez and Bob Nipp, who will forever carry his laughter, love, knowledge of Spanish curse words, and generous spirit in their hearts. Gina cherished the summers she spent with her father, playing endless games of gin, shopping, and going to the movies. Joe’s favorite joke was pretending they were playing poker for “child support,” though he was always just looking for an excuse to give her a little extra.

In Edmond, Oklahoma, Joe found the love of his life, Vickie Litterell Perez. They married in 1997 and shared 29 years of deep friendship, partnership, and joy. Their Friday Farkle nights often turned into heartfelt conversations until the early hours of the morning, punctuated by spontaneous dancing in the kitchen to Luis Miguel, Brooks & Dunn, or Santana.

Family vacations were grand events with up to 20 friends and relatives gathered at luxurious villas on the coast of Puerto Vallarta. Those trips were filled with laughter, storytelling (and retelling), margaritas, chef-prepared meals, and the unforgettable tradition of a private Mariachi band playing just for them. Joe was famous for sayings like “Let’s party like a rock star” and a collection of not-quite-obituary-appropriate quotes that will continue to live on among those who loved him.

Joe was also deeply committed to his career. For more than 40 years, he served as an international automotive sales leader with OTS, working up until his final days. He took great pride in the relationships he built with his customers throughout Mexico and surrounding regions, and he was especially grateful for his friendship with Bob and Mary Haiges.

Joe leaves behind a large and loving family who will treasure their memories of him: 

Wife: Vickie Perez 
Sister: Alice Bragg 
Brother: Jess Perez, Jr. 
Children: Gina Perez and David Krisky; Robert and Arlene Nipp 
Mother of his children and friend: Beverly Putnam
In-laws: Kellie Monteith; Debbie and Steve Suenram
Nieces, Nephews: Sandy and Brian Cetti, Jim and Rebecca McCarty, Dianna and Matt Manselle, Vincent V. (deceased) and Grace Perez
Great (Great) Nieces, Nephews: Alexandra Cetti, Christian Cetti, Paxton Irion, KC Cornell, Raymond Ramirez, Vincent D. Perez, Robert Perez, Josh Perez, Michelle Garza
Grandchildren: Charles Ryan and Taylor Nipp, Abigail and Ken Parker, Noah Nipp, Aaron Nipp, Sarah Monteith 
Great-grandchildren: Joanna Parker, Nehemiah Parker, and Eliza Nipp

Joe never met a stranger. He lived life loudly, laughed easily, dressed impeccably, and loved deeply. He leaves behind a legacy of joy, generosity, and unforgettable stories, some of which we’ll tell forever, and some we’ll save for when the children leave the room.

Public visitation will be held on Thursday, March 12, 2026, from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Matthews Funeral Home in Edmond, OK. 

Services will be held on Friday, March 13, 2026, beginning at 2:00 p.m. at the Matthews Funeral Home Chapel in Edmond, OK. Interment is to follow the service at Gracelawn Cemetery in Edmond, OK.