Joseph Morales Obituary

Major Joseph A. Morales III (U.S. Army, Retired), Vietnam veteran and Bronze Star Medal recipient, died peacefully at his home in Colorado Springs on November 27th surrounded by his beloved wife, children, and grandchildren. Mr. Morales was born September 26, 1942 in San Antonio, Texas to Joseph A. Morales Jr. and Stephanie Driffill. He married Susan Bywater in San Antonio in 1964. After receiving a B.S. degree from St. Mary's University, he was commissioned into the Army in 1965. Mr. Morales spent 20 years in the Army as a missile defense officer, serving in Vietnam, Alaska, Germany, North Dakota, Texas and Colorado. In 1985, following his final Army tour in El Paso, Texas, he retired to Colorado Springs and worked for Kaman Sciences and Titan Corporation. He was an active member and served as president of the First Cavalry Division Association. In his retirement, Mr. Morales spent his time traveling with Susan, his wife of 45 years. A passionate outdoorsman, he was never happier than when hunting, fishing, and camping with his family and buddies. Mr. Morales leaves behind many friends and loved ones who will miss his wit, special sense of humor, and extraordinary love of life. Survivors include his wife Susan, son Joseph A. Morales IV (Karen Brady Morales) of Colorado Springs, daughter Shannon Morales Hynds (Joseph A. Hynds) of McLean, Virginia, grandchildren Amanda, Rebecca, Joseph (V), Jacob and Katie Morales (Colorado Springs) and Elaine, Margaret, Sarah, and Rachel Hynds (McLean, Virginia), and a sister Elizabeth Louise (Morales) Ottmers of San Antonio, Texas. He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Stephanie (Morales) Westmoreland. Visitation and a vigil service will be held on Monday, November 30 from 5:00 to 7:00 pm (vigil at 6:30 pm) at St. Patrick's Catholic Church, 6455 Brook Park Drive, Colorado Springs, CO 80918. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Patrick's on Tuesday, December 1, at 10:00 a.m., with a luncheon reception immediately following. Interment with full military honors will occur on January 29th, 2010 at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Virginia. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Pike's Peak Hospice Foundation, 825 East Pikes Peak Ave., Suite 600, Colorado Springs, CO 80903-3624.