Frank Morales

Joyful. Wisecracking. Hard Working. Singing to the end. Frank Morales, beloved husband, Dad, Grandpa, Tio, and friend, ended his life journey on June 30, 2020. Born in El Paso November 25, 1919, he was a persevering symbol of our Greatest Generation. Growing up during the Great Depression, Frank took seven years to graduate from Bowie H.S. because he would drop out every other year to work and help support his family. Frank served his country in the Civilian Conservation Corps, and then in the U.S. Army Air Corps working on B-24's and P-38's from 1941-45. Upon returning to El Paso, he met lovely Gabriela ("Lela/Gabby") Montes during a dance at the Cortez Hotel. Six months later - and not without a little hesitation on her part! - they married. They stood by and with each other for 73 years, working together to build a house themselves, (literally brick by brick), raise children and grandchildren, create a home, and make the best of life. Starting around 1980 Frank and Gabby began "a little charity work", a 30 year stretch of sharing long days volunteering with the Shriners to coordinate medical care and transportation for children from the U.S. and Mexico who otherwise would go without. Service was in his blood. Only in their 80's and 90's, did they decide to step back because "we are starting to get a little old." Dad and Mom were well known for often being first on, and last off, the dance floor with their beautiful, high spirited dancing and jitterbugs, which they continued until Dad's recent illness. Dad could be a character, from spontaneously swimming in his best suit, to loudly singing WWII drinking songs, or doing a hula dance, he made life more fun. Partners with Mom in life and in living, laughing, arguing, dancing, and just being, to the very end he would walk tenderly holding Mom's hand, telling everyone they were "Beauty and the Beast, but please don't call my wife a beast!" What a guy! A skilled craftsman, Dad was a maker of wood puzzles, toys for his beloved grandkids, a reader of encyclopedias, and was curious about pretty much everything the world had to offer. He enjoyed sharing stories, wisdom, and a joy for living with all. His legacy lives on in his devoted wife and companion Gabby, 4 children including sons Erich and Frank, numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren, many nieces and nephews, and a century of friends. Thank you to all who helped weave the fabric of his wonderful and rich life! We will miss you Daddy.