Obituary of Simon Jose Diaz

On February 18, 1928, Simon Jose Diaz was born to Marcos Diaz and Juana Alvarez Diaz in Edinburg, Tx. As the eldest son and second eldest child to this union, he made it his mission in life to care for his mother and 8 siblings when his father died at 43 years of age. As the eldest son he was taken out of school, as was expected in those days to pick up the responsibility and care for the family. Simon, a very young boy, searched for work and advancement. He did hard labor meant for a man, but was paid, a kid salary. Simon traveled around the United States as he searched for his niche through several occupations. Being a young hispanic boy he faced discrimination but he had a resolve in life, being a Godly person of faith he knew God would guide him. He was preceded by his parents Marcos and Juana Diaz, brothers Armando and Ignacio Diaz. Sisters in law Petra Diaz and Paulina Diaz. Brothers in law Miguel Farias, Ramiro Compean and Jose Gutierrez. Simon was married in 1958 to Carolina Huerta. He is survived by his children Israel (Christina), Maggie, Simon Jr, Ruben (Dora), Irene (Eddie)Luna, Marcos and Esmeralda (Louis) Valadez. He liked children so much he would stop and chat with other peoples children while shopping - they always responded with a smile. But most of all he adored his grandchildren. He had affectionate nicknames for them. Erica Nicole "#1" (Rob) Brown, Sonny Diaz "Pipiripau", PJ "PJotas", Thomas "Lil Tom, Amanda "Ojos Negros", Bryan "Guerito" (Rhayne) Mery. Daniela and Ruben C Diaz, Xavier and Sarah Luna, Samantha, Savannah,Sabrina, Dillon, Christian,Ryan Diaz, Simon and Daniel Valadez. Great grandchildren Alexis and Olivia Brown. Also surviving him is Eddie (Missy) Kaileo, Makai Luna and Joshua Luna "Sapito". Also surviving him is his brothers Inocente and Onassis Diaz. Sisters Lupe Compean, Maria Gutierrez, Joaquina Gomez, Isidora Farias and Ana Maria Diaz. Sister in law Lupita Diaz. Lifetime compadre Ynes P Compean Sr., Andres Esparza who was his employee, friend and confidant for over 35 years. Grandpa was always ready and able to teach, advise and direct when his grandchildren came calling. To name a few, he taught Thomas how to change a tire in the middle of the night, took Bryan dorm necessities to TAMU-CC at a moments notice and Xavier at 4 years young directed his mother to call grandpa because, well, grandpa knew how to fix things. Traveling with his nephew Jorge Diaz in Mexico places of interest was just a small way where he was able to offer himself. He started a career that would eventually lead him to be a strong business owner with strong work ethics. He was no stranger to working 36 - 48 hours straight. Cactus Iron Works. Willis Drilling Co., Kryska Farms, and Lee Walker Oilfield is where he started his welding career. As an entrepreneur his first welding shop was in Edinburg, later owning a welding and machine shop in McAllen Tx. With no formal training as a machinist he had the foresight to train himself and excelled, thus, always strived to provide the best customer service. He did not need to advertise as his customers did by word of mouth. Often asked how he address a complicated job order, his response was "God speaks to me in my sleep and guides me while doing the job". His first order of business was to pray for Gods guidance with his employees and customers. His customers knew him as a no-nonsense, humble man who always did a job well-done; respected by all people small and large companies. Special thanks to Mari Gonzalez, his caregiver for over 4 years. Selah Hospice for their compassionate and professionism during this difficult time. There is no pretending I LOVE YOU, and I will love you UNTIL I DIE and if there is life after that I'LL LOVE YOU THEN. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. with a 4 p.m. Celebration of Life service on Friday September 18, 2020, at Legacy Chapels 4610 South Jackson Road in Edinburg. Graveside service will be at 9 a.m. Saturday, September 19, 2020, at Valley Memorial Gardens in Mission. Pallbearers will be his grandsons, Sonny, PJ, Thomas, Bryan, Xavier, and Ruben. Funeral services are under the direction of Legacy Chapels in Edinburg.