GUTIERREZ, Francisco (Pancho)

West Valley View, Avondale, Arizona February 5, 2010 Francisco "Pancho" Gutierrez, 75, of Avondale, died Jan. 31, 2010. Mr. Gutierrez was born Jan. 30, 1935, in Sweetwater, Texas. He moved to the Cashion area of present-day Avondale in 1964. He joined the National Guard at age15 and served a year until they discovered his age. He then worked as a farm hand and met his wife, Trinidad. He joined the Army in 1955 and served for two years. After the military, he worked for Santa Fe Railroad laying tracks in the Nevada desert, and also worked in various factories. After retiring, he worked for the Littleton Elementary School District for 10 years as a bus driver and crossing guard. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Trinidad; two sons, Frank Jr. and Diego Sr.; one daughter, Irene Marley; 10 grandchildren; and 17 great-grandchildren. A Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. today at St. Williams Catholic Church, 11001 W. Third St., with interment at 1 p.m. at National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona, 23029 N. Cave Creek Road in Phoenix. Visit crystalrosefuneralhome.com to leave condolences for the family.