Felipe M. Morales
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Felipe M. Morales, 79, went to be with the Lord in Paradise on Sunday, January 17, 2021. He was born on August 18, 1941 in Karnes City, Texas to Teresa and Felipe Morales, Sr. At a young age, the family moved to San Antonio where he was raised and educated. Later as a young adult he moved to Midland where he met the love of his life, Celia Espinoza. Six months later, they were married on September 26, 1959. Felipe began a very successful career as an insurance agent in 1966. He quickly learned the business and became a natural. He enjoyed writing life insurance policies and established a good book of business. He was an agent for 7 years with American National Life Insurance Company. This led to another wonderful opportunity. Felipe joined Western United Life Insurance Company which was owned by First National Bank of Midland who offered him the opportunity to represent the company as an insurance agent. It was then he started Felipe M. Morales Insurance. This is when he met a fellow agent, Margaret Moore who became his mentor and good friend. Within a short time, he represented several insurance companies and became a top producer and achieved recognition in the President's Circle of a few carriers. Felipe was well known and respected in the insurance field having won many of the industry's top awards including The Million Dollar Round Table several times. His aggressive salesmanship also awarded him other honors and several memberships in his field. Felipe was a lifelong member of the National Association of Life Underwriters. As a result of his hard work, he qualified for many memorable company trips in the United States and abroad with his wife Celia. In 1997, Felipe was honored to have his daughter, Cindy join the company as a partner which resulted in the formation of Morales and Maes Financial Services, Inc. Later in 2014, his late son in law, Greg, joined the company and it became a true family business. Felipe retired after 50 years with a highly successful career in the insurance business and the agency is still in operation today. Many of his clients became lifelong friends. Felipe loved his community. He served as a board member on numerous nonprofits. He was passionate about Casa de Amigos, Texas Workforce Commission Board, Midland Chamber and a founding member of the Midland Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and Hillcrest Manor. Also, Family Counseling Services and Senior Citizen Services. He was active in United Way and Meals on Wheels. In 1985 Felipe was recognized as one of four Centennial Citizens of Midland. He has been an active member of St. Ann's Catholic Church for over 50 years where he volunteered in many areas including the annual Family Fair and was Chairman one year. He belonged to the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem. Felipe was a past member of the Knights of Columbus and participated on several ACTS retreats. He enjoyed serving as an usher and greeter for mass. Felipe has been described as the epitome of a true friend and gentleman. Many will tell you there wasn't a person that he didn't stop and take the time to shake their hand, share a conversation and always with a big smile. He was a giant in his industry and community, enjoyed a good game of racquetball, working out, a good Elvis or Kenny Rogers song, dancing and taking his grandkids on fun trips with Celia. He was known as having a green thumb because he enjoyed planting a beautiful garden filled with roses, flowers and plants and bringing one to Celia every morning. He is preceded in death by his parents Teresa and Felipe Morales Sr, his brothers Margarito and Arturo Morales, Sisters Rosalinda and Sylvia Morales. He is survived by his beloved wife Celia Morales, 3 children Cindy Maes (and late husband Greg), Jerry F Morales, Novert A Morales (Wendy) of Austin. Survived also by his sisters Dora Reyes and Connie Gonzales of Loveland, Co and brother Alfred Morales (Velma). 9 grandchildren Christopher (Ashley), Chase, Chelsi, Javery and JonLuke Morales, Jerika Holweger (Joe) and Dyllon, Jaxon and Rheagan Maes. 3 great grandchildren Jedda, Silas and Israel Jr. The family would like to thank Hospice of Midland, nurses Michell, Lysa and Cassandra. We are grateful and thankful for the wonderful loving care provided by his caregivers Cruz Cruz, Maria Pando, Yanina Bejar, Marina Galdamez and Raquel Gomez. Pallbearers are JonLuke and Javrey Morales, Dyllon, Jaxon and Rheagan Maes. A celebration of Felipe's life will begin with a Rosary on Thursday, January 21, 2021 at 6:00 PM at St. Ann's Catholic Church. A Memorial Mass will be held at 1:00 PM on Friday January 22, 2021 at St. Ann's Catholic Church with Msgr. Larry Droll officiating. Memorials may be given to the Youth Activity Center at St. Ann's Parish or Alzheimer's Association West Texas Chapter. Arrangements are under the direction of Willowbrook Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Midland. To place online condolences, please visit www.willowbrk.com.