Juan Munoz Moreno

Juan Munoz Moreno, 71 of Waco passed away Tuesday, November 29, 2022, at his home surrounded by his loving family after a long battle of COPD and pneumonia.

Visitation: 6 – 8PM Wednesday, December 7 at Lake Shore Funeral Home Chapel.

Funeral Service: 10AM Thursday, December 8 at Lake Shore Funeral Home Chapel. Burial to follow at Oakwood Cemetery. Officiated by Brandon Baker.

Juan Munoz Moreno was born December 19, 1950,in Chihuahua, Mexico to Paula Morales Munos and Jose Ines Moreno. He became deaf at a very young age, but that did not stop him from his curiosity. He learned to farm, break horses, and ride cows/bulls during his childhood in Mexico. While in Mexico, he met many people who shared the same likeness as him and learned Mexican sign language. It was then he learned of an opportunity to come to the United States for a better way of life. During his travel within the United States, he learned American Sign Language. He found his way to Northern California where he worked many farming jobs until he rooted himself in Modesto, California. It was there where he settled, married (divorced),and raised seven children. He moved to Waco, Texas in 1989 and worked at Plantation Foods (Cargill) where he met Anita (Petra) Martinez. He married the love of his life on March 1, 1996. He maintained employment with Wolfe Florist Nursery (Color Spot Nursery) and Keith’s Lawn and Landscaping. He was an avid San Francisco 49ers fan and loved traveling the United States with his wife, Anita. One of their most notable trips was to New York City, where they enjoyed the sights of the city and the world headquarters of Jehovah’s Witnesses among many of their peers within the Deaf Community. Nothing made him prouder than traveling to California to visit his children and close friends as regularly as possible. He enjoyed being an active member of the Waco ASL Community, acting in fellowship and friendship, and traveling wherever he could. Many of the people in his presence enjoyed the many jokes he had and enjoyed the tales from his childhood growing up in Mexico.

One most defining accomplishment in his life was obtaining his natural citizenship. On February 25, 2010, he sworn an oath to become a United States American and this meant the world to him. He pays tribute to Diane Boles (retired interpreter and ASL Instructor) in leading him to the path of seeking US citizenship.

Juan is preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Manuel and Luis Moreno, and sisters, Rosario and Petra Moreno.

Left to cherish his memory is his loving wife of 26 years, Anita Petra Moreno of Waco; sons, Juan Moreno, Jr. and wife Liz of Merced, California and Manual Moreno of Modesto, California; daughters, Angelita Moreno and husband Lester Gonzalez of Turlock, California; Paula Moreno and husband Elmer Garcia of Keyes, California; Maria Moreno and husband Anacle to Macias of Ceres, California; Guadalupe Moreno and husband Fernando Lozano of Ceres, California and Valeria Lopez and partner Tony Lopez of Winton, California. His children from Waco; son, Arthur Martinez, Sr.; daughters, Petra Pena and Selma Birks and husband Roderick Birks of China Spring, Texas. He is also survived by 50 grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren and his sisters, Nina Moreno of Mexico and Cirilia Moreno of Waco.

The family would like to the thank the extended family within the Deaf Community for their years of company and the friendships that have lasted a lifetime.  A cherished friendship that will always be at the heart, Denise Gibson, who stood by his side whenever he needed assistance. In addition, a special thank you to the Bluebonnet Health Services Hospice staff, Janie Martinez, Laurie Williams, and Gabby Brewer for their unwavering support during this difficult time. Lastly, Lori Wrzesinski (interpreter) for being his voice on the last journey.

Pallbearers: Roderick “Rydell” Birks, Antonio Carrillo, Lester Gonzalez, Arthur Martinez, Sr., Pete Martinez, Leonardo “Lalo” Cano, Jacob Pena, and Isaiah Rodriguez.

Place of Service: Lake Shore Funeral Home Chapel , 5201 Steinbeck Bend; Waco, TX 76708