On Wednesday, January 13, 2021, Fernando Narciso Gamez Sr., loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother-in-law and uncle, passed away at the age of 89. Fernando was born on May 30, 1931 in Chihuahua City, Chihuahua to Narciso and Teresa (Flores) Gamez.
It was during his childhood that his love of music was born. He came from a family of musicians, with his father being a music teacher. Fernando was often found listening to Big Band music in his home.
In 1953, he met the love of his life, Ethel, who he affectionately called his vieja, at a Cinco de Mayo parade in Ciudad Juarez. They married in June 1955. They both immigrated to the United States in 1956.
In April 1955, Fernando joined the United States Air Force. He proudly served for 23 years. During his military career he served in the fields of Air Police and Procurement. He was stationed in Turkey, Germany, Denmark and all over the United States. While serving he made several lifelong friends who later became family. He took another oath in 1957 when he became an American citizen. While enlisted in the Air Force, he also received his degree in Finance from the University of Nebraska at Omaha. In 1976, he was nominated for the Air Force Non-Commissioned Officer of the year. Fernando retired in 1978 as a Master Sergeant.
After he retired, he moved his family back to El Paso. This is when his career as a businessman began. Fernando and his wife opened Meza Sporting Goods, which later became Meza Trophies and Plaques. Fernando gave back to the community by sponsoring little league teams and bowling leagues. In May 1999, he was acknowledged by Congressman Silvestre Reyes as a District winner under the Small Business Administration’s annual Small Business week program.
Fernando had a sense of humor that always had everyone around him laughing. Upon meeting people for the first time, his first question would often be if they were also Dallas Cowboys fans. The right answer would be, yes. He was an avid bowler, loved listening to music and enjoyed exercising. He was a member of LULAC, the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and the Eastwood Optimist Club.
Fernando was most proud of his family. He cherished his weekly Sunday dinners with them. He leaves behind a legacy of strong family values. Above all else, Fernando loved his vieja. Their strong love served as an example for their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Fernando was preceded in death by his father, Narciso, his mother, Teresa, his brother, Raul and his sisters, Tomasita and Hortencia. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Ethel, his four children, Isabel, Patty (Dale), Fernando Jr. (Verna) and Gerardo (Teresa), 12 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren and many other beloved family members.
Private services will be held on Tuesday, February 23, 2021. He will be buried at Fort Bliss National Cemetery with full military honors. Pallbearers will be his grandsons: Scott, Joseph, Ryan, Sergio, Fernando III and Michael.
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