Jose Luis Pereira

Jose Luis Pereira, 54, died peacefully in the loving presence of his family on September 16, 2022. He was born on May 28th, 1968, in Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland. The second eldest of three children to his parents Norma Pereira and Faustino Pereira.Jose is survived by his loving wife of 33 years Michelle Pereira, his three daughters: Kaitlin Hedke (Pereira), Victoria Wilson (Pereira), and Kayla Pereira, his granddaughter Ava Grace Pereira, his mother Norma Pereira, his father Faustino Pereira, his elder brother Jorge Pereira, and his younger sister Mildred Petty (Pereira). Jose was in the process of moving to Edmond, Oklahoma from Crestview, FL in 2022 to be closer to his family and enjoy retired life. Jose was the loving father to three beautiful daughters, a devoted husband to his loving wife, and an amazing grandfather. He was a member of Our Lady of Victory Church in Florida before beginning his move to Edmond, Oklahoma where he planned to join St. Monica's Parish. Prior to his move to Oklahoma, he saw all three of his daughters finish high school and move on to college, as well as became a grandfather. He graduated college in 2014 with a Bachelor's in Business Management from Northwest Florida State College in Niceville, FL. He was the loving owner of 5 dogs: Zoey, Maggie, Milo, Charley, and Belle. Jose prioritized his family above all else. He was a selfless, humble, and loyal man. A fierce protector of those he loved. He was the most dependable person who you could always count on no matter the circumstances. Jose did make time for himself on occasion. He was a skilled marksman and enjoyed practicing at the range. He enjoyed watching Formula 1 Racing, Texas Longhorn Football, and old western movies. He had an insatiable sweet tooth and always had a stash of candy that he would restock regularly. Some of his favorites were Mike and Ike, Cherry Sours, Gummy Bears and PEZ.In addition to a loving family man, Jose was a dedicated law enforcement officer. His career began when he joined the United States Air Force as Security Forces in June 1986. Throughout his career he served in multiple different roles as part of various Security Forces teams inColorado, Texas, Nevada, Florida, and in Operation Southern Watch in Saudi Arabia following the Gulf War. During his time in the United States Air Force, he was awarded: Meritorious Service Medal, Three Airforce Commendation Medals, Five Air Force Achievement Medals, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with Valor, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Korea Defense Service Medal, Air Force Overseas Ribbon, Small Arms Expert Marksmanship with a Bronze Star, and Naval Pistol Marksmanship Ribbon, and others. Jose retired from the United States Air Force after 21 years on August 1, 2007, as a Master Sergeant and began his career as a civilian Police Officer in the State of Florida. He worked for Fort Walton Beach Police Department, Crestview Florida Police Department, Okaloosa County Sheriff's office, and finished his career as a Florida Highway Patrolman in 2021. During his time at these departments, he was a Drug Recognition Expert School Graduate, a seasoned Traffic Homicide Investigator, and an FBI Trained Negotiator. He also spent time as a Field Training Officer for the Florida Highway Patrol and a Motor Officer at Okaloosa County Sheriff's office. He was awarded Officer of the Quarter at Fort Walton Beach Police Department in 2008 and Deputy of the Year at Okaloosa County Sheriffs office in 2016.He spent his life in service to others whether that was his family, other loved ones, his country, or his community. Jose wished to be laid to rest in Edmond Oklahoma to fulfil his will to be closer to his family even after death. A Funeral Mass for Jose will be celebrated at 10:30 am on Monday September 26, 2022, at St. Monica's Catholic Church at 2001 N Western Ave. Edmond, OK 73012. There will be a Vigil Service and viewing on Sunday September 25, 2022, at 6:00pm at Smith & Kernke Funeral Home, 14624 N May Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73134. For all family members and friends who cannot attend the Vigil, the Vigil will be livestreamed. To watch the livestream of the Vigil the link can be found on Jose's obituary page on the Smith and Kernke website.