Fritz Morales

On August 19, 2025, at the age of 88, Federico G. (Fritz) Morales passed peacefully from this life. He is now rejoicing in Heaven! Fritz was born on March 3, 1937 in Norwich, Kansas. His parents were Natividad and Refugio Morales. His siblings were: Juanita, Ben, Beatriz, Pauline and Leonard (all deceased).

Fritz and Pat began married life in Wichita, Kansas. They later moved to Conway, Arkansas before being transferred to Waldron in 1963 with the Soil Conservation Service. He served as a Civil Engineer Technician until his retirement. During his employment, he received a special merit award in Washington D.C. for Outstanding Cost Reduction Achievement. Only 5 employees of the Soil Conservation were honored that year. President Lyndon B. Johnson honored the group by presenting a short address.

From a young age, Fritz loved the outdoors, especially hunting and fishing. Even something as simple as a walk in the woods brought him great joy.

During his childhood in Norwich, Fritz began to develop his love of sports. In high school, he played basketball, football and ran track. He went on to play college football for one season for the University of Wichita Wheat Shockers.

During the late 1960's in Waldron, Fritz coached a pee wee basketball team, the Falcons. It was also during this time that he began, what would become a 56 year tenure as the football announcer for the Waldron Bulldogs and would become known as "The voice of the Bulldogs". He began announcing in a wooden pressbox on the North side of Sawyer Wright Field, then finally to the beautiful new pressbox that is named for him at the current football field. He loved announcing and always took great pride in making sure that the visiting teams, band and fans always felt welcome. Nothing made him happier than Friday nights with his "crew", (Jeto, Ray, Roger and David). And of course, some of "mama's chocolate cake".

Fritz is survived by his wife of 68 years, Pat, daughters: Carla Terry (Michael) and Mareta and one son Mark (Kathy). He will forever remain in the hearts of his grandchildren: Michael Terry (Raven), John Terry (Meghen), Jennifer Adcock (Monty), Brandy Hopkins (Nathan), and Dustin Waters (Tiffany) as well as great grandchildren: Aiden Terry, Lily and Eli Hopkins, Sophia and Logan Waters, Maddox and Marley-Grace Adcock and Oliver Terry.

Fritz's visitation will be Thursday, August 21, 2025 from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home Chapel with a Rosary to follow at 7:00 p.m.

Funeral Mass will be 10:00 a.m., Friday, August 22, 2025 at the St. Jude Thaddeus Catholic Church in Waldron, Arkansas. A private graveside service will be held at a later date in Birdsview Cemetery.

Fritz truly enjoyed life and all the people he met along the way. He seemed to never know a stranger and always had a story on hand to share. He found the good in everyone and was always positive even during difficult times.

The motto Fritz wanted to share was: "I didn't always win, but I ran a good race."

In lieu of flowers the family has requested memorial donations be made to the Waldron Athletic's Program at 1560 West 6th Street, Waldron, Arkansas 72958 or online at http://waldronbulldog.weebly.com/store/c4/Donation.html