Jesus "Snake Man" Velasquez, Jr.

Jesus “Snake Man” Velasquez, Jr., 69, of Pampa, died October 31, 2016 in Amarillo. Graveside services will 2:00 PM Monday, November 7, 2016, at Fairview Cemetery, with Rev. Bob Hudson, pastor of Bible Baptist Church of Pampa, officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Carmichael-Whatley Funeral Directors. Mr. Velasquez was born April 9, 1947 in Spur. He married Linda Wolff on January 27, 1966 in Pampa, and graduated from Pampa High School in May of 1966. He was an Eagle Scout, Boy Scout and Golden Gloves boxer. Jesus went to appliance repair school and then went to work for the railroad. He moved to Wisconsin to work for a time, and returned to Pampa in 1974. He started a concrete construction business, working for over 40 years, up until the time of his death. Jesus was an avid snake handler and collector. He was bitten ten times by rattlesnakes with little effect on him! He was a Catholic. Jesus was preceded in death by a daughter, Crystal Dawn Velasquez in 1979; a son, Justin Matthew Velasquez in 1982; and a sister, Rosie DeWitt in 2008. Survivors include his wife, Linda Velasquez of the home; a son, Jesus Velasquez, Jr. of Pampa; five daughters, Tina Shackelford, April De Maroney, Monica Lynn Velasquez and Cindy Lou Velasquez, all of Pampa, and Laura Beth Velasquez of Wheatland, Wyoming; four sisters, Aida Nava of Houston, Lupe Ramos and Margie Cawthron, both of Amarillo, and Lolly Carver of Pampa; two brothers, Domingo Velasquez of Pampa, and Rick Velasquez of Amarillo; 23 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren. The body will be available for viewing from 10:00 AM - 12:00 Noon on Monday, November 7, 2016, at Carmichael-Whatley Funeral Directors.