Daniel Jason Morales

Daniel Jason Morales, R.N., of El Paso, Texas, passed from this life on August 4, 2020. “Our Favorite Nurse” embodied everything that is good and bright in this world. The passing of his beautiful soul, taken from this world much too soon, has left it a dimmer place. He was a beloved son, grandson, brother, husband, father, uncle, godfather, and medical professional who lovingly and passionately dedicated his life to serving others.

Daniel was predeceased and reunited in spirit with his maternal grandfather Chris Medina, his paternal grandfather Francisco A. Morales, and his uncle David Morales.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife Erika Morales, his children Danika, Dominik, Daniella, and Desiree Morales; parents Francisco J. and Minerva Morales; paternal grandmother Josefina Morales, maternal grandmother Eduvina Medina; brother Christopher (Claudia), sister Amanda (Ernie); nephew Sebastian, and nieces Hailey, Heather, Hollie, Hannah, Nadia, Rosie and Lily. Beyond his immediate family, Daniel leaves the love of extended family, the Castor family, and many friends and colleagues whose lives he has touched forever. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Daniel was born on August 21, 1980, the middle child in a tight-knit family. As a brother and son, he was loving, tolerant, accepting, loyal and forgiving. He was also a ferocious protector. He attended Crockett Elementary School and Austin High School. He was a proud Panther football player (and he played golf), graduating in 1998. Throughout his school years, he was an active participant in student government, sports and other activities. Life-long friendships were created during these times. He attended the University of Texas at El Paso and was a proud UTEP Miner who supported football and other sports. He graduated from the University, receiving his nursing degree in 2005.

DJ, as he was known in his youth, was always a bright light. His gentle and selfless spirit was revealed early in his life. Many have expressed their gratitude for his willingness to assist, support, guide and motivate them in their various endeavors related to school and work. His mischievous humor and quick wit were unparalleled. He could be counted on to provide entertainment at every turn. He has been described as always having a smile on his face and a punchline on his mind. Our gentle giant gave the most loving bear hugs and his smile could light the darkest room. He never met a stranger and had a gift for being able to talk to anyone. “My Love” to Erika, Daniel was a lover of music and movies of all genres and will always be known as “Mr. Greatest Hits.” He loved a good gathering and all barbeques.

Throughout his lifetime, Daniel was all about relationships. All of them. The Morales home served as a gathering place, a refuge, an open door for all, and Daniel learned and embodied this each day of his life. Friends weren’t friends, they were family. We think he would now be reminding us, “Go spend time with your family. Give them a big hug and tell them you love them.”

Daniel was a devoted family man whose wife and children were his world. He met the love of his life in his middle school years. Their love story took a few twists and turns through the years, but finally realizing they were meant for each other, they married in 2007. It was a blessed and happy union producing four beautiful children and enduring memories. He will always remain his love’s twin flame and soulmate and she will forever celebrate his amazing, beautiful life. Erika is determined that she and their children will complete his bucket list in honor of their love for him.

Life before COVID-19 was all about bear hugs and gatherings. Sadly, the pandemic altered our lives and behaviors as we followed CDC guidelines faithfully.

Daniel was a registered nurse who worked in the Coronary Critical Care Unit at the Hospitals at Providence Sierra Campus for 10 years. For the last six years, he served as a dialysis nurse at DaVita Dialysis. Throughout his career, he served as a supportive and inspirational mentor to his co-workers and a skilled and caring, compassionate nurse to many. The lives he touched were innumerable, the friends he made countless, the love he shared infinite. Daniel took care of his patients to the very end before being hospitalized and succumbing to COVID-19 at the same facility in which he had cared for so many.

Special thanks to all the doctors, nurses, and staff in the Intensive Care Unit at the Sierra Campus; the hundreds of prayer warriors who prayed for him near and far; the DaVita Dialysis Team; and Abundant Living Faith Center, all of whom walked with us on this difficult journey.

Serving as pallbearers: Christopher Morales, Ernie Morales, Felix Castor, Fernie Castor, David Castor, Matthew Castor, Justin Arnsworth, Joey Ruiz, Adán Briones.

Serving as honorary pallbearers: Charles Medina, Michael Sullivan, Jacob Salcido, Freddy Salcido, Jim Voronin, Joey Fierro.

Visitation will be held at Martin Funeral Home East on Wednesday, August 12, with a private family viewing from 4:00-5:00 p.m., a public viewing from 5:00-9:00 p.m., and a celebration of life and eulogies from 7:00-9:00 p.m. A final farewell service will take place for the family and will be held at Martin on Thursday, August 13, at 10:00 a.m.

In honor of Daniel, the family asks that all who attend services wear masks and adhere to strict social distancing protocols. They will accept elbow and fist bumps but ask that everyone refrain from hugging.

A virtual stream of the celebration of life and eulogies is available at:

https://www.martinfuneralhomeeast.com

Services under the direction of Martin Funeral Home East located at 1460 George Dieter Dr.

(915-855-8881).

“Wherever a beautiful soul has been, there is a trail of beautiful memories.” (Unknown Author)