Obituary of Paul Diaz

Paul Diaz Age 89, formerly of Joliet, IL, died suddenly of natural causes in Harlingen, TX. Born February 16, 1925 in Lockport, IL and resided in the Joliet area for 53 years. He attended Lockport Township High School and Joliet Township High School. During WWII, Paul served in the US Army in the Asian Theater in Burma and received a Purple Heart among other medals. On returning home, he worked in the local steel industry, and when his children were on their own, Paul moved to Texas to enjoy a place free of snow and bitter cold and where he could plant fruits and vegetables all year round. In his 60's he retired from Texas State Technical College where he had worked as an electrician. Paul enjoyed Life. He had a passion for organic farming, yoga, vegetarianism and just plain healthy living for over 50 years. He loved welding and constructing useful gadgets for around the home and shop. He encouraged all to grow their own gardens, eat healthy and exercise daily. He set a great example--he lived as he preached: A healthy, pure life. Preceded in death by his parents, Emilio and Vicenta Diaz; spouse, Sally Soto Diaz; brothers, John Diaz (infant) and Alfonso (Lee) Diaz; and sisters, Rose (Robert) Moruzi and Margaret (Peter) Escobedo. Survived by spouse, Delores Diaz of Harlingen TX; daughter, Anita (Sam) Guardiola; son, Richard (Lupe) Diaz of San Diego, CA; grandchildren, Lisa (Eric) Kobe, Matthew (Lisa) Guardiola of Plainfield, Brian (Angela) Guardiola of CA, Adam Diaz of San Diego and Sonia Diaz of Granada, Nicaragua; five great-grandchildren, Kylie, Kendall, Kelsey Kobe, Logan and Dylan Guardiola; brother, Manuel Diaz; sisters, Isabel (Jesse) Rodriguez, Carmen (Daniel) Enriquez, Theresa D. Lopez, Lillian (William) James and Esther (late John) Rodriguez; brother-in-law, Bernabe Oscar Lopez; and numerous nieces and nephews. Funeral Services for Paul Diaz will be Saturday, December 20, 2014 at 10:00 a.m. at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black at Essington Rds., Joliet. Interment Elmhurst Cemetery. Visitation Friday 4-8 p.m. at the funeral home. For information: 815-741-5500 or visit his Book of Memories at www.fredcdames.com