J. Francisco Medina

In Pinos, Zacatecas Francisco Medina, 73, of Waco was born on September 9th, 1951, to Gerardo Medina and Feliza Davila. He passed away after an illness, on April 2nd, 2025.

He grew up in the town of Esmeralda in central Mexico surrounded by a large family of siblings and cousins. A young Francisco's days were filled with a mix of chores and mischievous fun with his cousins. In a home with no electricity or water, he'd fetch water from the river or well for laundry, cleaning, and cooking. Francisco would watch Feliza on her knees grinding the corn for handmade tortillas. One of his favorite meals was always fresh beans with nopales, and tortillas made by his cherished mother. At 12 years old, on the cusp of his teenage years in 1963, Francisco would immigrate to the states undocumented, making Texas his home. He adjusted to his new life, making his way with an incredible work ethic. He learned the welding trade and worked as a welder. Eventually he switched careers and become an assistant supervisor at a protein facility Plantation Foods. Though he stepped down from the supervisory position, he remained at this location for 41 years witnessing its purchase and transition to Cargill. He retired at 38 years. Discovering retirement wasn't for him, he returned to Cargill for another 3 years until his passing. His work family would refer to him affectionately as, "Pacho." While on lunch break Francisco would see AnnMary Garcia sharing food with coworkers. It was love at first sight, not for her though. Anyone who knew Francisco knows he loved food. He asked her, "You're not going to give me a taco?" She replied, "You can have a taco, if you want one."

His love of food led him to meeting his future wife. They became a couple on November 5th, 1986. He joined AnnMary and her two sons which led to another love of his life, sports. He would regularly attend the youngest son's football games. He learned the game and became a loyal Dallas Cowboys fan. Francisco loved the boys as his own, often being heard as referring to each of them "this is my oldest son" and "this is my baby boy."

Francisco would make his family official when he married AnnMary on July 20th, 1991. Years later, in May 2000, he proudly became a citizen of the United States of America, never forgetting his family and roots in Mexico. He and his wife purchased a house in 2003 on Charleston Street where you could find him mowing his lawn and doing other outside chores on the weekend. He took pride in being a friendly and good neighbor. As the years passed, Francisco would become the most loving grandfather. His firstborn grandson Aidan has the fondest memories of going on walks with his grandfather and Pongo, the family dog. In groups of people, Francisco was often a quiet man, who didn't always have the words. Yet on these walks, he'd lovingly pepper his grandson with questions, engaging him in conversation. When asked about Francisco, Aidan shared, "During our walks I felt loved and special. He is the greatest man I've ever known. My grandfather was a humble man, the hardest working man for his family. I watched him buy food for strangers. He helped anyone and everyone who asked him for help. He never said no if he could be there for someone. I strive to be like him." Francisco will be remembered by his grandson Aidan Palkin; grandson Solomon Palkin; granddaughter Rubee Palkin; grandson Bo Michael Palkin; and grandson Ricky Palkin.

Francisco opened his home to family members, providing a safe, loving space helping to raise the little ones. Dora Escobedo (nee), Eduardo & Christopher Bravo, Kayla & Monserrat Lopez, and Maya Luna Gallegos could be often found in the Medina home being cared for, running around, coloring, and playing in the pool in their backyard. In his last days, Francisco knew his time was ending. As he was surrounded by family, friends, and coworkers he spoke in Spanish, “Mijo, no te preocupes, todo estara bien” and in English, "Mija don't worry, it'll be okay." Francisco is survived by his wife of 34 years AnnMary Medina; son

Richard P. Palkin; his wife Lisa Palkin; son Ruben A. Palkin; his wife Eve Palkin. The family he created and loved. Francisco is survived by his father Gerardo Medina; mother Feliza Medina; brother Alejandro Medina; brother Juan Medina; sister Bernarda Lara; brother Pedro Medina; sister Marina Galvan; brother Lucino Medina; and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins. The family he was born into, never forgot, and loved.