JOSE SERNA

1920 - 2014

Jose Morales Serna Joe was born on March 25, 1920 in the mining town of Sonora, AZ. He was the second child born to Tómas Serna and Benigna Morales, joining his older sister Juana Serna. When his father became ill with lung disease, the family moved to Irapuato, Guanajuato, Méjico. It was there that his younger siblings Daria, Maria, and Jesus were born. Upon his father's death, the family returned to the United States and resided in El Paso, TX. As a child, Joe moved to Fresno, CA with his mother's sister. He farmed, attended school, and began boxing until he was eighteen-years old. Joe returned to El Paso and lived with his sisters and brother, working during the day, and attending school at night. He began working for Farah Mfg. Co., beginning as a custodian until he was drafted into the Army on Dec. 22, 1942. Joe completed his basic training at Ft. Bliss and was assigned to Company C 372nd Engineers GS Regiment. He saw action in Ardennes, Central Europe, and the Rhineland. Joe was awarded the European-African-Middle Eastern Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, the Purple Heart for injuries he sustained during the Battle of the Buldge, four Bronze Stars, and the Silver Star. When Joe was honorably discharged from the Army on Oct. 27, 1945, he held the rank of Tech 5. Joe returned to El Paso and began working at Farah Mfg. again. He worked for Farah for more than 40 years and was the Supervisor of the Shipping Department. While working for Farah, he designed cutting machinery that Farah patented. Joe was a founding member of the Board of Directors for Montwood National Bank. Joe married Alice Mae Carroll on April 22, 1950. They had four children: Irene, Patricia, Daniel, and Cecilia. Joe and Alice were married for 60 years. Joe was preceded in death by his parents, sisters Juana, Daria, Maria, his brother Jesus, his beloved wife Alice, and his niece Yolanda Tejeda Alonzo. He is survived by his children Irene (Bruce Tomlinson), Patricia, Daniel (Susan Grace), and Cecilia; his grandchildren Daniel Serna and Catherine Serna (Andy Horn); his great-grandson Lachlan Serna Horn, and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, and friends. Dad, you are our hero. We love you and you will forever remain in our hearts and in our memories. Visitation will be held from 4:00-9:00 p.m., with a Vigil/Rosary to begin at 7:00 p.m., Sunday, December 21, 2014 at Sunset Funeral Home-East, 750 N. Carolina. Funeral Mass will be at 9:30 a.m., Monday, December 22, 2014 at St. Raphael Catholic Church, 2301 Zanzibar. Interment will follow at Ft. Bliss National Cemetery. Services entrusted to Sunset Funeral Home-East. Please visit our online register book at www.sunsetfuneralhomes.net.