José “Joe” Fernando Bermudez, age 82, of Salina, Kansas, passed away peacefully on June 29, 2026. He leaves behind a legacy defined by hard work, an unwavering love for his family, and a basement full of "treasures" that he swore he would get around to fixing.

Born in Monterrey, Nuevo León, Mexico, on July 12, 1943, he grew up with the ocean breeze in Port Isabel, Texas. Upon graduating high school, he traded the coast for the open sky, joining the United States Air Force. As a jet engine mechanic, he kept our nation's aircraft's flying high before receiving his honorable discharge.

His sharp eye for detail served him well in his civilian life. He dedicated 45 years to Wilson & Company in Salina, Kansas as their Chief Draftsman, drawing up plans with absolute precision. A man who couldn't stand to sit still, his version of "retirement" was legendary: he officially retired on a Friday and promptly started his part-time job at Waters True Value the very next week, where he happily shared his expertise until his passing.

But his true life’s work began in 1965, when he married the love of his life, Joan (Harmon) Bermudez, at St. Francis of Assisi Church in Norton, Kansas. Together, they built a beautiful life centered on family. Together they have four daughters; Deanna McGill (David), Patricia Treece (and the late David), Lisa Feist (Steve), Janett McDaneld (Jason), ten grandchildren, and ten great grandchildren.

He loved two things above all else: his family and going to auctions—firmly in that exact order. A self-proclaimed "tinkerer," he spent his happiest hours "piddling around" with his vast collection of auction finds. He possessed a rare, brilliant knack for bringing broken things back to life, proving time and again that one man's trash was truly his treasure.

His warmth, his ingenuity, and the quiet joy he found in the simple things will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Honoring his wishes, Jose will be cremated.

The family with gather to receive friends from 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM, Friday, July 31st, Carlson-Geisendorf Funeral Home.