Eduardo Palacios

We have the hope of everlasting life with our LORD Jesus, and we look forward to a great reunion along with loved ones who have gone ahead of us; most recently our dear Uncle Wardo (Eduardo). I believe his niece and nephew (Naydeen and Gian) had taken to calling him "Uncle Grandpa" which I think he probably quietly enjoyed.... one might not know for sure since his demeanor belied most emotions except his most strong ones - in which case he might display a slight grin or chuckle.

Memories of going over to Ama and Apa's (grandma and grandpa's) house in the 1970's are special for many reasons. Enjoying time with family and simple things in life. These visits provided opportunity to see Uncle "Wadro" as the little ones called him before learning to roll the "r". He was our Mom's youngest brother and was living there after returning from California and his time in the Navy aboard the ocean tug USS TEKESTA (AT-93). He was a great uncle, kind of reminding me of the Fonz; slim, sharp-looking, cool. I liked hitting his punching bag that hung in the carport. Every now and then he would bring out a mayonnaise jar and allow Juanito and I to sort through and select a few pretty marbles to keep. My sister Patty remembers him asking Ama if she needed anything from "la tienda" to which she would reply "si tienen RC colas, trae unas por favor!" And then we would have RC cola floats when he would get back. A few times he packed Mom and us kids in his rumbling GTO and somehow traversed canyons and sandy paths crisscrossing the east El Paso desert wilderness. With a shovel, some boards (which came in handy a couple of times) Sunny-D and jugs of water, we'd go out to the boondocks and have a picnic - grilling hotdogs and hamburgers... and he would let us shoot some of his guns and rifles.

Later on in life, after I returned from my time in the Navy, I cherished the Sundays I'd be able to spend with him. When he stopped driving, he would do some shopping around his neighborhood stores and Costco and do some errands with the help of relatives living in El Paso. He would choose Sunday dining from either Furr's Cafeteria, Grand China buffet, Food City burritos, or Good Luck Café. Afterwards he would pick up a week's groceries including Whataburgers or Little Caesar's Pizzas. If in season, he would ask to go get a cup of champurrado and a bag of sweetbreads.

A sturdy man even into his early 80's he was still up on the roof repairing a leak or digging up asphalt for a plumbing fix. I remember numerous times at Grace Chapel: as we walked in he would be greeted warmly by all. Debbie would smother him with attention while fixing him hot chocolate and a plate of goodies. Ricardo Kawas would half jokingly (but mostly true) remark while shaking hands "Don Eduardo, me quebras la mano!" Uncle Wardo would sheepishly grin in apology. He loved attending services with the saints of Grace Chapel and developed fond friendships with everyone; making sure to verify names with me before entering to greet everyone.

He has touched many lives through his quiet, peaceful demeanor. I am in admiration of much of his personality and with his ability to endure many things (in the wintertime - I needed a parka to enter his house, and in the summertime I needed an IV after coming out). As he dealt with painful arthritis in his hip, and complications with old age and diminishing health - when asked, "How are you doing Uncle Wardo?" inevitably he would reply, "Oh... good thank you! How about you?"

Many tears have been shed at our loss here on earth but many more are of joy at his arrival through the pearly gates.

We love you Uncle!

* * * * * * * * * *

We have the hope of everlasting life with our LORD Jesus, and we look forward to a great reunion along with loved ones who have gone ahead of us; most recently our dear Uncle Wardo (Eduardo). I believe his niece and nephew (Naydeen and Gian) had taken to calling him "Uncle Grandpa" which I think he probably quietly enjoyed.... one might not know for sure since his demeanor belied most emotions except his most strong ones - in which case he might display a slight grin or chuckle.

Memories of going over to Ama and Apa's (grandma and grandpa's) house in the 1970's are special for many reasons. Enjoying time with family and simple things in life. These visits provided opportunity to see Uncle "Wadro" as the little ones called him before learning to roll the "r". He was our Mom's youngest brother and was living there after returning from California and his time in the Navy aboard the ocean tug USS TEKESTA (AT-93). He was a great uncle, kind of reminding me of the Fonz; slim, sharp-looking, cool. I liked hitting his punching bag that hung in the carport. Every now and then he would bring out a mayonnaise jar and allow Juanito and I to sort through and select a few pretty marbles to keep. My sister Patty remembers him asking Ama if she needed anything from "la tienda" to which she would reply "si tienen RC colas, trae unas por favor!" And then we would have RC cola floats when he would get back. A few times he packed Mom and us kids in his rumbling GTO and somehow traversed canyons and sandy paths crisscrossing the east El Paso desert wilderness. With a shovel, some boards (which came in handy a couple of times) Sunny-D and jugs of water, we'd go out to the boondocks and have a picnic - grilling hotdogs and hamburgers... and he would let us shoot some of his guns and rifles.

Later on in life, after I returned from my time in the Navy, I cherished the Sundays I'd be able to spend with him. When he stopped driving, he would do some shopping around his neighborhood stores and Costco and do some errands with the help of relatives living in El Paso. He would choose Sunday dining from either Furr's Cafeteria, Grand China buffet, Food City burritos, or Good Luck Café. Afterwards he would pick up a week's groceries including Whataburgers or Little Caesar's Pizzas. If in season, he would ask to go get a cup of champurrado and a bag of sweetbreads.

A sturdy man even into his early 80's he was still up on the roof repairing a leak or digging up asphalt for a plumbing fix. I remember numerous times at Grace Chapel: as we walked in he would be greeted warmly by all. Debbie would smother him with attention while fixing him hot chocolate and a plate of goodies. Ricardo Kawas would half jokingly (but mostly true) remark while shaking hands "Don Eduardo, me quebras la mano!" Uncle Wardo would sheepishly grin in apology. He loved attending services with the saints of Grace Chapel and developed fond friendships with everyone; making sure to verify names with me before entering to greet everyone.

He has touched many lives through his quiet, peaceful demeanor. I am in admiration of much of his personality and with his ability to endure many things (in the wintertime - I needed a parka to enter his house, and in the summertime I needed an IV after coming out). As he dealt with painful arthritis in his hip, and complications with old age and diminishing health - when asked, "How are you doing Uncle Wardo?" inevitably he would reply, "Oh... good thank you! How about you?"

Many tears have been shed at our loss here on earth but many more are of joy at his arrival through the pearly gates.

We love you Uncle!