Henry Hector Morales

Henry "Hank" Hector Morales, 83, passed away late Friday evening, December 6th, 2019 at his home in Bakersfield, California. Born May 6, 1936 to Jesus and Tranqulina Morales in Bakersfield, California, Henry was the 6th of 7 children. Henry trained and served in the U.S. Army from February 14, 1955-January 3, 1957. He was awarded the Good Conduct Medal, awarded on a selective basis to each soldier who distinguishes themselves amongst their fellow soldiers by their exemplary behavior, efficiency, and fidelity throughout a specified period of continuous enlisted active Federal military service. Henry met and fell in love with his beautiful bride, Irene Ortiz. They were united in marriage on December 29th, 1962 in Los Angeles, CA and settled in Bakersfield, CA. In their nearly 57 years of marriage they raised five children and with their big hearts fostered and loved many more. His love for children knew no bounds.

In 1967, Henry began his lifetime career as a mechanic and proprietor of a Texaco Gas Station at the corner of River Boulevard and Bernard. There, he tended to many in the community not only with their vehicles but their lives as well. It wasn't just a gas station or a job for him but his way to take care of people in need and create a sense of community. If someone didn't have money for gas, he would take payment in oranges, no matter! If you needed an open ear, he was there to listen, if you needed advice, he was there to guide you. If you needed strength, he was there to lend his.

Henry had an uncanny way of making people laugh with corny jokes and humorous life stories. He was also a man of faith and an active member within his church. When Henry wasn't working hard, he enjoyed going to the car races, taking a drive to the coast for clam chowder and swap meets. His greatest love was spending time with his family and friends, creating magic out of the mundane. Henry is survived by his wife, Irene; daughters, Sarah Ross, Rachel Kumler, and Doreen Morales; sons Moses and Ralph Morales; grandchildren, Hunter Ross, Jazmine Ross, Ben Ross, Joshua Kumler, Jacob Kumler and Alyssa Vargas; great grand-children Jonah Ross, Micha Ross; brother, Raul Morales; sisters, Josephine Abreu, Annie Zaragoza and Vera Padula; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins that he valued and cherished. Funeral services will be held Friday, December 20, 2019 at The Church of Jesus Christ Latter-Day Saints (1903 Bernard Street Bakersfield, CA 93306) at 11:00 AM with Bishop Juan Morales officiating. Burial will follow at the Bakersfield National Cemetery beginning promptly at 1:15 PM (30338 E. Bear Mountain Boulevard). A reception following the burial will take place at the Latter-Day Saints Church on Bernard Street (all are welcome). Flowers may be sent to Basham Funeral Care at 3312 Niles Street Bakersfield, CA 93306. Your love and light will be greatly missed Papa!