ZAPATA, TEXAS---Francisco J. "Panchito" Guzman, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 31, 2017 at Laredo Medical Center at the age of 65.

Mr. Guzman was born in Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas, Mexico on July 14, 1952. He was the only son of the late Francisco and Elisa Guzman. Pancho or Panchito as he was affectionately known moved to Chihuahua, Texas at the age of 14 and has been a native of Zapata since. He was an avid sports lover and never missed watching his beloved Dallas Cowboys play. He was known as being a jokester and was a good friend and family man. Mr. Guzman was a fighter and fought until the very end.

Mr. Guzman is preceded in death by his wife, Ma. Elena Guzman; his parents, Francisco and Elisa Guzman and his sisters, Oralia Gonzalez, Belia Medrano and Emma Guzman.

Mr. Guzman is survived by his wife Maria G. Guzman; sons, Eduardo J. Guzman, Carlos A. Gonzalez, Francisco (Abby Benitez) Gonzalez; daughter, Erica (Carlos) Uribe; grandchildren, Cesar J. "CJ" and Elenissa A. "Ellie" Uribe; sisters, Blanca (†Adolfo) Velasquez, Eva (Manuel) Camero and by numerous other family members and friends.

Visitation hours will be held on Wednesday, November 1, 2017, from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. with a vigil at 6 p.m. at Rose Garden Funeral Home.

The funeral procession will depart on Thursday, November 2, 2017, at 8:30 a.m. for a 9 a.m. funeral Mass at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church.

Committal services will follow at Zapata County Cemetery.

The family of Mr. Guzman would like to thank the staff of Laredo Medical Center and all our family and friends for their support, love and prayers during his short illness. His smile and funny disposition will be missed by everyone.

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