DIAZ, Francisco Olea

Parker Pioneer, Parker, Arizona - Posted on March 20, 2018 - Francisco "Pancho" Olea Diaz, age 80, of Parker, Arizona passed away peacefully on Saturday March 10, 2018 surrounded by his children who loved him dearly Jose, Otilia, Eliza, and Gabriel. "Pancho" was born May 11, 1937 in Pericotepec, Guerrero, Mexico where he was raised until the age of 18 then he came to the Parker Valley through the "Bracero Program". His original plan was to come and work for a short period of time but due to his love of the Parker area he never left. He married the love of his life Rosario Urena in 1965. They stared their family here in Parker in 1966. His dream of establishing his own farm came in the late 1970's. He started D & D Farms with only 10.11 acres. Through his hard work ethics and drive to provide for his family he grew D & D Farms to over 4,000 acres by the time his health couldn't keep up with his work ethics. He was blessed by many people that welcomed him into the community. His early success was not only his hard work but was with the help of friends like Vence Salvato, Jim Jennings and many other farmers and his family that was right by his side ready to help with anything needing to be done on the farm. Farming allowed Pancho to do what his heart desired most and that was giving back to the Parker community from the CRIT Headstart program, Parker Little League, Poston Rotary, La Paz County Fair and countless other local organizations. He is preceded in death by his wife, Rosario Diaz, son, Francisco Diaz Jr. and son, Carlos Diaz. He is survived by son, Jose (Rosalba) Diaz, daughter, Otilia Diaz, daughter, Rosa Diaz and son, Gabriel Diaz, sisters, Elia Alvarado & Chela Macan. A memorial service for "Pancho" will be held Friday, March 23, 2018 from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM at Parker Funeral Home, 1704 S Ocotillo Ave in Parker, Arizona. A mass will occur Saturday, March 24, 2018 from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 1101 S Joshua Ave in Parker, Arizona. An interment will occur Saturday, March 24, 2018 at 11:00 AM at Parker Cemetery in Parker, Arizona. Following the interment the family would like to request the presence of Pancho's family and friends at the Parker Senior Center 12:00pm to share memories and food one of Pancho's favorite past times! On behalf of Pancho's family we would like to thank the entire Parker community who welcomed him from day one, he loved being a part of this community and will be greatly missed by many. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at WWW.PARKERFH.COM for the Diaz family.