Fred Canales, loving Husband, Father and Grandfather was called home by our heavenly Father on May 13, 2021. He was 88 years old, born June 16, 1932. He passed away at his home surrounded by the love of his family, friends, and caregivers.
He was a patriot and a military man who served in both the U.S. Marine Corps and the U.S. Army for a total of 21 years and 3 months. He was awarded several awards, medals, and honors. This includes earning the silver wings as a parachutist. This qualified him as “Airborne” as well as the Bronze Star and several others.
The military had long been his dream. At the age of 10 he worked at Fort Bliss selling newspapers to soldiers outside barracks and mess halls to help contribute money to the household and his Mother and twin Brother and his Sister. His military career included a tour in South Viet Nam as well as tours in South Korea and Okinawa Japan.
In the United States his assignments included, Malmstrom AFB Montana, Homestead AFB Florida, Ft. Bliss Texas, Ft. Gordon, Georgia, and El Toro Marine Corps Air Station. He also worked for Southern Pacific Railroad and the San Elizario School District. He was honored for his work with Vietnamese refugee’s who fled to the United States after 1975. He was a very loving, kind, and compassionate soul. He devoted his life to providing for his family. He was well known for his dogged determination to ensure his wife and kids were well provided for. He leaves behind his Wife of 66 years Gloria Canales Gomez Leon, son Fredrick and three daughters, Pat, Carmen, and Gloria along with 8 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren, his Sister Carmen Lafarelle, Cousins Reverend Father Anthony, David, Wayne, and several extended family members. Visitation will be from 3-7:00pm, Wednesday, May 19, 2021 at Funeraria Del Angel Central with a 5:00pm vigil. Funeral Mass will be at 12:00pm, Thursday, May 20, 2021 at Cristo Rey Catholic Church. Interment will follow immediately at Ft. Bliss National Cemetery.
He had a big heart. He will be missed greatly by all whose lives he touched.
