Robert Moralez

Robert Carl Moralez Sr. of Congress made his transition on Dec. 30, 2016, after going into cardiac arrest due to bilateral blood clots in his lungs.

Robert was born Nov. 14, 1966, in Wickenburg to Angel and Bobbi Moralez of Congress. He is preceded in death by his mother Bobbi; infant son Angel; infant sister Valentina Moralez;, brother-in-law DJ Maggs and nephew Agustin Hernandez Jr.

He is survived by his wife Bobbette Moralez (they would have celebrated 25 years of marriage on Jan. 4, 2017); sons Levi (Alisha, and granddaughter Jacquelyn) Moralez, Robert Carl Moralez Jr.; daughters Cora (son-in-law Caleb) Crawford, Bridgette and Reina Moralez; father Angel (Brenda) Moralez; in-laws Rusty and Denise Maggs; brothers David (Cindy) Moralez and John (Falicia) Moralez; sister Loretta Moralez; nephews Zach, DJ and Daniel Moralez, Matt Hernandez, Eric Bowman, John, Pablo and Jaquima Moralez; along with five great-nephews and three great-nieces.

Robert grew up on the family cattle ranch east of Congress with his parents and siblings. He rode, gathered cattle and learned all phases of ranch life.

Robert attended Wickenburg schools, and playing basketball was his first passion. He played football in high school as well. He was an outstanding athlete. At a young age he left high school and a promising basketball career to help support his family.

He became a journeyman carpenter and worked throughout the state building freeway bridges.

Robert was training as a boxer, where he sparred with Michael Carbajal and Louis Espinoza. He was preparing for his first professional fight when a tragic work accident ended his dream of becoming a boxer.

In July 1987 working on the first freeway stack that connected I-10 to I-17 Robert's safety belt broke. He fell 42 feet rendering him physically disabled, ending his working career. For almost 30 years he endured unimaginable physical pain and underwent more than 20 surgeries in that time span.

In 1984, Robert married Susan Gonzales and had his first son Levi in 1987. He moved back home to Congress shortly after his accident and divorced. He met the love of his life Bobbette (Maggs) in 1989, and they married in 1992. Robert had four more children with his lovely bride. They went on to raise all five of their caring, respectful and hard working children together. Bobbette worked while Robert took care the kids. His children were his pride and joy. You would see him out teaching them basketball moves wearing knee braces and walking on crutches, pushing through the pain for them to be a hands-on dad. He took them to practices, games and anything else they were involved in.

Walking down the road with a goat or with it in the back of his truck to take it school for show and tell was the norm for Robert. His life was all about his kids, family and friends. Helping with what he could, Robert did auctioneering for local fundraising events as well. He taught many kids to play basketball over the years and helped coach Pop Warner football. Many have fond memories of Robert as their coach. He also helped coach basketball at the schools his children attended.

Before his accident Robert competed in the Wickenburg and Congress annual Mucking and Drilling Competition. At this he was hard to beat. Winning All Around Miner numerous times.

His sense of humor was known by many. Always wanting to make others laugh, Robert was known to pull some good jokes. When in the company of his brothers they were a force bigger than life, and their combined sense of humor was sure to entertain. He enjoyed going to the park in Congress, shooting hoops wherever he found a basketball court, his alone time, walks and singing his goofy songs to anyone who would listen.

Robert will be greatly missed by so many. His grand size was equal to his love, laughter and compassion he gave to others and in everything he did.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, Jan. 7 at the Wickenburg Community Center. Viewing will begin at noon, and the service at 1 p.m. A graveside service will follow in Congress at the cemetery with memorial reception at the Congress Fire Department.