Joe Walter Lorentz

Retired Sergeant Joe W. Lorentz, Jr. passed away on Tuesday, May 26, 2015.     He joined Police Academy Class # 82 on June 5, 1978.       During his career, he served at the Northwest Division, Jail Division, and the Emergency Communications Division, and retired on March 29, 2014, while last assigned to the Special Operations Division.   He is survived by his sister, Susan Lorentz of Spring Branch, Texas.

The body is entrusted to Unity Funeral Home, 7730 Boone Road, Houston, Texas 77072.   Their telephone number is (281) 561-6300.

A Memorial Funeral Service will be held Tuesday, June 16, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. within the Houston Police Officers' Union Hall at 1600 State Street, Houston, Texas 77007.   The telephone number is (832) 200-3410.

***In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be sent to the following fund administered by the Police Officers Union (832-200-3410) which helps officers injured in the line of duty:

·         Make check payable to Assist the Officer Houston;

·         Mail to Assist the Officer Houston, 1600 State Street, Houston TX 77007;

·         Enclose a note or write on the check memo line “In memory of JW Lorentz”.

***Please note that many of Joe’s friends are networking on Joe’s facebook page “JW Wind”.

LONGER PROFILE

Joe Walter “JW” Lorentz, Jr. died of heart disease at the age of 64.  He was born November 5, 1950, in San Antonio, Texas, to May Alice and Joe Walter Lorentz, Sr.  Joe graduated from Thomas A. Edison High School in San Antonio.  He is survived by his sister Susan, cousin Theodore, other extended family, and many close friends.

As a boy, Joe excelled at baseball.  Short and stocky, he was a powerful hitter, but worried about his height, and had his Dad measure him each night against the kitchen door to see if he had grown that day.  Joe dearly loved his Dad, who served as a Lieutenant for the San Antonio Fire Department.  Joe loved the Houston Police Department and considered it his family.  Single, he chose to work holidays for fellow officers who had wives and children.

In addition to numerous extended family members, among those who will miss him are famed lawyer Richard “Racehorse” Haynes, whom Joe met when he rescued Mr. Haynes from an attempted robbery in the HEB parking lot around 1990.  They became fast friends, and Mr. Haynes welcomed Joe into his own family, listing Joe as a “member of the family” when Mrs. Richard (Naomi) Haynes passed in 2013.  Joe faithfully visited Mr. Haynes after the latter retired from law practice due to serious illness, cheering him and going over old times with his mentor.

Joe had many friends, but his closest and most long-time friend was Capt. Mark A. Aguirre (HPD, Ret.) – they shared 35 years together on and off the force.  Mark was Joe’s colleague and confidant.  As young officers, they often played pranks on one another, most of which would best be described elsewhere.  As strong-minded and decisive men used to life and death situations, Joe and Mark did not always share opinions, but they always buried the hatchet – for them, their long-time friendship trumped all.  In later years, Joe and Mark chose to confide in one another their most critical matters – grief over the deaths of loved ones, and plans for the future.  After his retirement, Joe joined Mark Aguirre’s private investigative business and they celebrated this at Mark’s Christmas party in 2014.

Joe was a musician and songwriter, and he hosted a great Open Mic for Houston and South Texas Singers and performing songwriters.  He was thanked time and time again for his spirit and positive force in helping to improve the Houston music scene.  He loved photography and enjoyed taking photos at events and gatherings.  He also loved books and gave many, many books to friends and family.  Joe had several spiritual interests, and he was a member of the Spiritual Church of North Houston.  Joe’s many dear friends are too numerous to name here.

The family wishes to thank everyone for the kind condolences sent, and special thanks to those who are helping with the Memorial Service and helping to settle his affairs.

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