Francisco Cardenas Paredes Jr, known to most as Frank or Pancho or Panchito, 89, was born on August 17, 1934, and passed away in his home on September 1, 2023.

Survived by his beloved & heartbroken wife of 63 years, Julie D. (Baca) Paredes, loving children Anita Valencia (Alfonso), Rosalie Chambers (Mark), Franklin Paredes (Yvonne), Julie Holmes (Stan).  Loving Grandchildren & Great Grand Children:  Angelica Valencia (Fabian Figueroa, Gabriel & Romeo Mata); Alex & Jennifer Valencia (Adiele, Alex Mason, Juliet & Auxley); Marcus Chambers & April Pena (Jayden & Lazuli); Bobby Chambers & Melissa Islas (Anthony & Nathan); Juleana Chambers; Karina & Alex Lambdin; Jonathan Holmes & Josh Luna; Ysidro Holmes; Helena Holmes (Sergio); Ysela Holmes (Alesy and Zenia), Aaliyah Holmes (Magdiel). Brother Henry Paredes (Elsa).  Preceded in death by his son David B. Paredes (Chapito), Grandmother Maria Vda de Paredes, Parents Francisco E. Sr & Ysidra Paredes, Brother Manuel, Sisters Margarita, Ana Maria, & Margarita, Father & Mother-in-Law Joe B. & Lola Baca.

Frank was born in Nogales, Arizona and then moved to Tucson when he was 8 years old and graduated from Tucson High in 1953 where he was the Drum Major and played the saxophone in the Marching Band, a photographer on the school yearbook the Tucsonian; in the Tumbling Club (now known as Gymnastics) where he medaled at state on his floor routine. He was still very active in helping organize reunions as the THS '53 Reunion Treasurer and met with fellow reunion committee classmates on a regular basis.

He enlisted in the Marine Corps shortly after graduating where he served for 4 years in active duty and 8 years as a reservist when he was honorably discharged with the rank of Sergeant as an Administration Clerk. He was very proud of his service and as the saying goes, Once a Marine Always a Marine!  Semper Fi

When he returned home from the service, he began attending the University of Arizona for a couple of years where he was a member of the Gymnastics Team and the Universitario's Club where he made lifelong friends and they continued to meet for a monthly lunch and he attended his last luncheon in June.

He then attended Lamson Business College where he met and married a year later, the love of his life, Julie on September 12th, 1959, and started their family.

He was a hard worker and at times holding down 2 jobs to help support his expanding family until he began working for Valley National Bank working his way up the ladder as he started as a teller and after 32 years, retired as a Branch Manager and Vice President with Bank One.  He managed Governor's Corner branch in Tucson, the Mariposa branch in Nogales and the Benson branch. He was well liked and some of his co-workers became lifelong friends.

He was the kind of father that wore a suit and tie to work, then came home and put his farmers overalls on and would fix just about anything from bicycles to any appliance or vehicle that needed to be repaired. He was successful about 95% of the time even though he had no experience.

Our Dad was very special, he would sing playing his guitar and make us laugh and when he had to discipline, the drill sergeant in him would be deployed when needed.

Dad was laid back in his older years. He loved talking to anyone who would listen, and he was always happy to see and talk to all of us kids, especially his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Our Dad loved going to his summer home in Show Low Az and going Fishing. It was in his blood and we are sure he now is fishing in heaven.

He gave his wife, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren so much love, support throughout the years and inspired us to pursue our dreams.  Thank you for teaching us the value of family and being an amazing example of what a strong marriage should be.

The following bible verse reminds us of his love and house full of family that felt like home:
"Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father's house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am." – John 14:1-3
We know he would not want us to be sad about him going home to be with the Lord, but rather come together as a family and continue his legacy until we meet again. May you sing in the choir of Angels & are watching your "Chapito" dance in heaven.