JoseT. "Teddy Bear" Rivera Obituary (1926 - 2008)

Rock Springs - Jose T. “Teddy Bear” Rivera, 82, of Rock Springs died Saturday July 12, 2008 at his residence following a lengthy illness. He was born May 12, 1926 in Costillia, New Mexico, the son of Juan Teodoro Rivera and Lilly Casias Galvez. Jose attended schools in Costillia, New Mexico. He married Priscilla Martinez on January 28, 1950 in Lander, Wyoming. He served in the US Army during WWII and received honorable discharge in 1946. He served in the 158th infantry and was awarded the Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal, Army of Occupation Medal, WWII Victory Medal, Good Conduct Medal, and the Philippine Liberation Ribbon. He was employed with Allied Chemical (General Chemical)in Green River for twenty-three years, retiring in September of 1984. He was a member of the American Legion, the United Steel Worker’s of America #15320 and the Holy Spirit Catholic Community. His interests included hunting, fishing, working in his garage, yard work, traveling, boxing, football, and spending time with family and friends. Survivors include his wife, Priscilla Rivera of Rock Springs; three sons, Ernie Rivera and wife JoAnn of Farson, Murrell Rivera and wife Marsha, and Teddy C. Rivera all of Rock Springs; two daughters, Frances Reed and husband Doyle, and Laurie Cheadle all of Rock Springs; brother, Dave Galvez of Rock Springs; three sisters, Margaret Martinez and husband Juan of Reliance, Ruth Frady of Rock Springs, Mary Agnes Chavez of Salt Lake City; sister-in-law, Dee Rivera of Denver; 12 grandchildren, Eli Rivera and wife Jennie, Stevven Reed and wife Jenny, Jeremy Cheadle, Jonathan Cheadle, Robert Reed, Shawn Reed, Kenny Grunder, Bobby Grunder all of Rock Springs, Murrell Rivera of Arkansas, Steve Ball of Salt Lake City, Crystal Rivera of Arkansas, Jerrelynn Rivera of Farson, Jean Ball of Rock Springs, Jamie West of Washington; one great granddaughter, Jade Audrey Reed of Rock Springs; several aunts, uncles,, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Fred S. Rivera, step-father Dan Galvez, and son-in-law, Rickie Lee Cheadle. Friends may call 4-6 pm Wednesday, July 16, 2008 at Fox Funeral Home, 2800 Commercial Way, Rock Springs. Cremation will follow at Fox Crematory. No services will be held.