Fernando was born in Chihuahua, Mexico in 1922 and was the eldest son of six children born to Dr. J.M Palafox and Mrs. Olivia S. Palafox. In 1931 the Palafox family immigrated to the United States – El Paso, Texas.
Fernando and several of his siblings attended Dudley Elementary School and El Paso High School. Fernando graduated from El Paso High in 1942. He was a noted athlete and was on the 1941- 42 EPHS state championship basketball team. Following his graduation in 1942 Fernando attended Texas College of Mines and Metallurgy El Paso, Texas (UTEP) where he completed two years of pre-medical courses majoring in science.
Fernando was enlisted into military service June 14, 1943. He served with the United States 15th Army Air Corp in Italy. His occupational specialty was as photo laboratory technician. He served in several military campaigns. On October 24, 1945 Fernando was naturalized as an American citizen in Naples, Italy. He was honorably discharged from military service November 26, 1945.
Fernando returned to the El Paso, Texas and continued his education. He then attended the University of Texas at Austin College of Pharmacy. On October 1, 1952 Fernando received his Texas Board of Pharmacy License.
While attending U.T. Austin he met and fell in love with his future wife Virginia Williams of Brownsville, Texas. They were married on September 3, 1950 and returned to El Paso, Texas to work and would raise their family there.
Fernando was a lifelong member of the Pharmaceutical Association and devoted his professional life to the health and wellbeing of all he served. He was a pharmacist for 60+ years.
Fernando’s passions included photography, aviation, mechanics especially automotive, chemistry where he developed several pharmaceutical products in particular Gastropal and of course his love of the opera and classical music.
He is preceded in death by his wife Virginia Williams Palafox.
Fernando Palafox is survived by his four children Andrea Dannette Palafox Bozzell (John), Norma Palafox Price (Larry), Fernando Palafox Jr. and Edward F. Palafox (Amy). He was a beloved grandfather of eight – Ryan (Jessica) and Carolina Bozzell, Danielle Palafox Price, Andrea, Fernando, Hannah, David, Ginny Palafox and four great grandchildren - John T. and Jovana J. Bozzell, Zack and Elijah Morones.
He is also survived by one sister Lily Palafox Caso of Fountain Valley, California and beloved by his many nephews and nieces from his Palafox family and his Lower Rio Grand Valley Williams family,
Fernando Palafox was an intelligent, strong, handsome, robust and kind man. Kind always to family, friends and strangers. He continuously expressed his love for his family.
The family would like to thank Sandra Esquivel, Araceli Sandoval, Daniel Burke, Luis Covarruvias and Sylvia Soria for the loving care Fernando received the last years of his life.
Memorial services will be held at 11:00 AM, May 11, 2021, at Martin Funeral Home West. Services will be officiated by Rev. Rick Milliron. Burial service to follow at Restlawn Cemetery. Weather permitting, open air reception to follow at Restlawn as well.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.MartinFuneralHomeWest.com for the Palafox family.
