Francisco “Frank” Moreno, beloved father, brother, uncle, friend, and simply one of the kindest souls you could ever hope to know, passed away on Sunday, August 23, 2026, at the age of 73.

Frank was born on October 4, 1952, in Piedras Negras, Mexico. His name was originally supposed to be Javier Francisco Moreno, but the name Frank would become the one known and loved by so many throughout his life. When he was fifteen months old, he came to the United States with his family and grew up in Uvalde, Texas. Frank was the fifth of seven children born to Tomasa and Secundino.

He is survived by his cherished daughter Layla, son-in-law Jon, beloved sisters, Loli and Conchi, his brothers, Yogi and Chuy, godson Sammy, and a large extended family of nieces, nephews, and so many lifelong friends who loved him dearly.

He was preceded in death by his mama, Tomasa Ovalle Tellez, his father Secundino Moreno, stepfather Edmundo Tellez, stepmother Cora Moreno, sister Sylvia Moreno, brother Francisco Moreno, and niece Geneva Bustamante.

Frank served in the United States Army from 1971 - 1978, and it was during his time stationed in Germany that he met Anita, who would become his wife and later the mother of his daughter Layla. They married in 1976 and welcomed their daughter in 1978. Although they divorced, Frank and Anita remained friends throughout the years, always united by their love for their daughter.

After moving to Jackson, Michigan with his family in 1980, Frank worked as an expeditor for the United States Postal Service. He retired young and embraced the freedom to enjoy the things that made him happiest. Frank never needed much to be happy and truly knew how to enjoy life. Give him some land to putz around on, a car show to wander through, an estate sale to explore for treasures, a sappy Hallmark movie to watch, a great western to read, a nowhere destination to drive, and family or friends to sit and laugh with, and he was content. He found joy in the ordinary and made the people around him feel that life was a little easier simply because he was there.

He was the person everyone could count on to be calm, accepting, and completely without judgment. He didn't care where you came from, what you believed, or what mistakes you had made. Frank met people where they were and made them feel welcome. Within his large family, he was affectionately known as Tio Lel. He was easygoing, funny, humble, patient, kind, and always happy to be around the people he loved.

Frank had a remarkable ability to form deep and lasting bonds with people of all ages. He loved generously and without keeping score, and there were young people in his life whom he watched grow up, celebrated at their milestones, and loved as family.

In November 2024, Frank suffered a major heart attack. He was not considered a surgical candidate and was instead treated with medication. Despite the seriousness of his condition, Frank recovered and continued to live his life. His family was incredibly grateful for the extra time they were given with him.

Following his heart attack, his daughter brought him to Phoenix so that he could be closer to medical care. He recovered to eventually return to his beloved Uvalde. He continued doing what Frank did best: living simply, enjoying his freedom, spending time with people he loved, and making the most of each day.

Frank's passing came as a devastating shock. After everything he had overcome since 2024, his family is heartbroken that his life ended far too soon.

To his daughter, Frank was so much more than a father. He was her safe place, her constant, and her world. Their relationship was extraordinarily special, built on a lifetime of love, understanding, laughter, and an unbreakable bond between a Paw and his mija.

He leaves behind a family who will miss his steady presence, his gentle spirit, and the quiet way he loved everyone.

Frank was one of those rare people who made the world feel kinder.

He was deeply loved. He will be missed beyond words. And he will never, ever be forgotten.