Fernando "Freddy" Tapia

Fernando H. "Freddy" Tapia Sr., 87, a longtime Casa Grande resident, died peacefully on Nov. 2, 2014, after a courageous battle with lung cancer.

Visitation will begin at 9 a.m. Thursday at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, with rosary recited at 10. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:30. Burial will be in Mountain View Cemetery.

Mr. Tapia was born on July 22, 1927, in Tucson and was a son of Antonio C. Tapia and Simona H. Herrera. He proudly served in the Army Air Corps, received the World War II Victory Medal and was a veteran of the Korean War. He provided for his family by owning and operating service stations in the community and on many occasions gave fuel to those in need, expecting nothing in return.

He was a longtime member of Veterans of Foreign Wars and recently was inducted into Paramount Theatre’s Hall of Fame, recognizing his work in the downtown Casa Grande theater on lighting and projection during the 1940s and ’50s. After retirement he took great pride in working for his son Fred Jr. at Fred’s Bolts & Nuts. He enjoyed spending time outdoors and sharing stories with those he loved. His love of John Wayne was notable; his frustration with the Diamondbacks was humorous. Most of all, he preferred time spent surrounded by his beloved family and friends.

Survivors include his wife of 65 years, Concepcion "Connie"; four sons, Fred Jr., Robert, Ronnie Tapia, all of Casa Grande, and Jimmy Tapia of Arizona City; five daughters, Sally Macias, Virginia Encinas, Shirley Davis, Barbara Medrano, all of Casa Grande, and Rosie Gonzales of Tucson; a sister, Connie Gamez of Casa Grande; 26 grandchildren; and 40 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by four brothers, Conrad, Willie, Manuel and Gilbert Tapia, and a sister, Sally Yubeta.

Memorial contributions may be made to Harmony Hospice.

J. Warren Funeral Services, Cole & Maud The Gardens Chapel is in charge of arrangements.