ZAPATA, TEXAS---Edelmiro R. "Fito" Morales 82, passed away on Sunday, January 29 2023, at his residence in Chihuahua, Texas.

Edelmiro "Fito" Morales was raised and lived in Chihuahua Texas. Fito was born in Chihuahua in 1940 and attended Zapata High School.  He was a talented athlete achieving All district in multiple sports, and voted most likely to succeed and most athletic during his tenure. He also had a passion for the rodeo, which led him to compete in bull riding during his younger years. After high school, Fito enlisted in the Army and served as a tank mechanic with 7 ^th Army in Fulda, Germany.  Upon departure from the service, he attended technical college and received a certificate in machine shop and welding.  He married Arlina Rodriguez and started his family back where he was born, Chihuahua.  He was well known for his welding skills and respected as an oilfield welder.   His love for the rodeo continued later in life but as a team roper.  Fito never declined helping anyone and always made sure you were well fed if visiting.  His humor was another attribute many enjoyed and will remember him by.  He was loved by many for his uplifting spirit and never-ending approach to life with jokes.  He will be dearly missed.  The family will be eternally grateful for all those that cared for him in his last years.

Mr. Morales is preceded in death by parents, Albino and Maria Morales; brothers, Octavio Rene (Angelina) Morales, David Morales; sister, Idalia M. Guillermo Garcia and a nephew, Octavio R. Morales Jr.

Mr. Morales is survived by wife, Arlina Morales; son, Lt. Col. Edelmiro R. (Michelle V.) Morales; daughters, Oneida M. (Andres) Guerra, Abigail M. (Daniel A.) Gonzalez; grandchildren, Abram A. Guerra, Daniel A. Gonzalez, Alejandro D. Gonzalez, Ivan A. Guerra, Lucas A. Guerra, Olivia Kate Morales; brother, Romeo (Altagracia) Morales; sister-in-law, Aminta L. Morales and by numerous nephews, nieces and other family members and friends.

Visitation hours will be held on Friday, February 3, 2023, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. with a rosary at 7:00 p.m. at Rose Garden Funeral Home.

On Saturday, February 4, 2023 we will open at 8:00 a.m. and the funeral procession will depart at 9:30 a.m. for a 10:00 a.m. funeral Mass at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church.

Committal services will follow at Zapata County Cemetery, including full Military Honors by the Zapata County Color Guard.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Rose Garden Funeral Home Daniel A. Gonzalez, Funeral Director, 2102 N. US HWY 83 Zapata, Texas.