Adan S. Moreno Sr.

Adan Moreno, Sr. was born in George West, Texas, to Francisco Moreno, Sr. and Eva Saldivar. He lived a long and eventful life, one full of adventure, love, hardship, and triumph; a life that demanded hard work, perseverance, relentless determination, and his own unmistakable “Never back down” character. At just 13 years old, Adan left home and began making his own way in the world. He survived by working as a migrant laborer, traveling El Circuito, following the migrant stream wherever the work took him. Along the way, he earned a name for himself as an underground boxer, carrying with him the toughness, courage, and determination that would remain a part of his character throughout his life. His was not a perfect life, but it was a life of great meaning, one marked by strengths and flaws, joys and struggles, and his own way of moving through this world.

Adan was married to his devoted wife, Noemi Moreno, for almost 70 years. Their story spanned many seasons of life. Together, they raised five children. Adan was also the father of his oldest daughter, Delia Garza, who came into the family’s lives much later, as an adult with children of her own. Though their family journeys took different paths, Delia remained part of Adan’s story and is remembered alongside her siblings.

Adan was a man of faith who believed wholeheartedly in God and in the promise that faith the size of a mustard seed can make all things possible. His faith carried him through life’s many joys and challenges, and those who knew him will each cherish their own memories of the man he was.

One thing that was unmistakable was the love Adan had for his brothers and sisters. They were a special part of his life and, in many ways, the light of his life. He was there for his siblings and remained connected to them throughout the years. He also had a special place in his heart for his nieces, nephews, and cousins, and was someone they could turn to.

Adan also had a remarkable way of connecting with people. He never knew a stranger. When he met someone, he would often ask, “Who is your family?” More often than not, he would recognize a family name or know someone they were related to. He had a way of finding connections wherever he went, and he carried with him a lifetime of stories and memories about the people he encountered.

Adan is preceded in death by his parents, Francisco Moreno, Sr. and Eva Saldivar; his oldest daughter, Delia Garza; his infant daughters, Diana and Noemi Moreno; his brothers, Crispin Martinez and Gabriel Martinez, Jr.; his sisters, Eva Dominguez, Esther Zapata, and Sara Arrasola; and grandsons, Juan Manuel Flores and Javier Sanchez.

He is survived by his wife, Noemi Moreno; his children, Delia (Jaime) Castellano, Adan (Cipriana) Moreno, Jr., Margot Moreno, Nehemias (Eva) Moreno, and Diana (Carlos) Reyes; 20 grandchildren, 45 great-grandchildren, and 7 great-great-grandchildren.

He is also survived by his brothers, Francisco Moreno, Jr., Israel Moreno, Delfino Moreno, Domingo Moreno, and David Moreno, and his sisters, Celia Guerrero, Juana Garza, Dolores Baldwin, and Raquel Araiza, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and friends.

Adan leaves behind generations of family who will remember him in their own ways, some for his strength, some for his humor and stories, and many for the ways he was there when they needed him. Each will carry forward the memories and parts of his story that belong to them.

May he rest in peace and may those who loved him find comfort in the memories that remain.

In Lieu of Flowers

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to San Antonio Mission Indian Descendants, a nonprofit organization founded by Adan's daughter, Diana Moreno-Reyes, and nieces, Kristela Cortez-King and Debra Rivas. Donations may be made in his memory and will help support the organization's ongoing work and mission.