Juan M Suarez

Juan was born December 4th 1923 in Mexia, Texas to Carmen and Juan Suarez. He went to school at Van Zandt School in Fort Worth, Texas from 1930 to 1931 and his teacher was Ms. Jackson. Later his parents moved back to their mother country of Mexico in September 1931. He went to private school in Mexico because American citizens were not allowed in public schools from 1931-1933. That was the end of his education.

Juan was put to work at an early age to help support the family. He worked in farms and took care of animals. Juan also worked as a migrant worker in the United States at a very young age. While as a migrant worker he and his younger brother were in an accident where his younger brother was killed and Juan was hospitalized around September 1941.

Juan meet Rita Delgado and married August 12th 1943. They then moved to Borger, Texas where he worked as a cement finisher at Phillips Petroleum until 1950. There they had a daughter, Juanita, in 1945. A daughter, Ercilia, in 1947 and a son, Ramon in 1949.

Juan, Rita and the kids moved from Borger to Dallas on January 22, 1950. He went to work for the City of Dallas. Juan worked for the aviation department from June 1950-January 1989. Over the years he demonstrated his abilities as a carpenter, painter, cement finisher, brick and tile mason, wall fabric applicator and many other skills associated with building maintenance. Juan received many awards and certificates due to his great achievements. He was most was proud of The Commitment to Excellence Award which is given to a city employee for excellence in their jobs. He was one of the first recipients to receive this award in the City of Dallas.

Juan and Rita were very committed to their community and church, and there children’s school. Everyone knew who they were. He was also a boy scout’s master for many years. He was still being called master when being seen by his former boy scouts.

Juan was blessed with 9 grandchildren and 23 great grandchildren whom he was very proud of. Juan will be missed by all of his family and everyone who knew him. Love you dad.