Francisco M. Ramirez came into this world on May 11, 1931 and he departed for home on February, 27, 2016. A humble man of few words but with a wry sense of humor that came to be his signature. Though of few words, he told his story in the way he lived and the way he treated his fellow man.His legacy is one of fidelity and loyalty – fidelity to the Lord that led to fidelity to his wife Modesta of 60 years, and loyalty to his sons and daughters, who grew up in emulation of their 'Papa'. A man of the land, he toiled in the West-Texas sun as a sign of his love for his family, without a single complaint or sigh.He worked with strong hands on ranches and farms since he was a child, first on his father's farm in Mexico and then in Texas. He labored well into his 70s until Parkinson's forced him to retire. He then focused on his garden at home: growing peppers, tomatoes, strawberries, peaches, and whatever else he fancied.This note about Papa is not a message of sadness nor is it a message of loneliness now that he is gone. It is a message of joy. It is a celebration of life. For Papa lived a full life. He drank the cup of life to the dregs and his legacy is a wife, Modesta, filled with faith, and 9 sons and daughters who march forward in thanksgiving. His grandchildren number 47 and his great grandchildren are 27, thus his legacy is secure.Papa is now with Our Lady and Our Blessed Lord. He is home, but he will never be forgotten.En paz descanse o gran señor . . . .Rosary services will be held at 7:00 pm, Tuesday, March 1, 2016 at Nalley-Pickle & Welch Chapel in Midland. Funeral mass will be held at 10:00 am, Wednesday, March 2, 2016 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church. Interment will follow at Serenity Memorial Gardens. ,
