Michael Leonard Cruz, Jr.

Michael Leonard Cruz, Jr., age 18 of Weatherford passed away Friday, May 3, 2013 in a Fort Worth area hospital following a brief illness. He was born on October 11, 1994 in Houston, Texas to parents, Michael Cruz and Stacey Jimenez. Mikey had been a longtime resident of Wharton having obtained his diploma from Wharton High School in 2012. Mikey enjoyed music, being outdoors, and cheetos. His playful demeanor led to many headlocks and innocent biting incidents. He harbored a strong affection for his sippy cup and chicken McNugets. Mikey was Christian by faith. He was preceded in death by his grandfathers, Terry Lynn Toney and Jesus Jimenez. Funeral services were held at 11:00 am Tuesday, May 7, 2013 at Wharton Funeral Home with Mr. Mickey Reynolds officiating. Burial followed in Evergreen Memorial Park Cemetery in Wharton. Survivors include his parents, Michael Cruz, Sr. and wife Shelley of Weatherford, and Stacey Jimenez of Wharton, grandparents, Roy and Belinda Jimenez of Wharton, Santos and Yolanda Cruz of Weatherford, Ross and Lou Ann Arth of College Station, and Reuben and Mary Balles of Hungerford, Great Grandparents, Amalia Jimenez of Lane City, and Antonio Martinez and wife, Alicia of Wharton, sisters, Madilynn Balles of Wharton, Allison Balles of Wharton, and Mia Nicole Balles of Hungerford, brothers, Damien Ray Balles of Wharton and Caden Terry Cruz and Caleb Michael Cruz of Weatherford. His aunts and uncles, Roy Jimenez, Jr., Javier Garza, Thomas Cordova, Roel Jimenez, Adam and Yolanda Cruz, Israel and Danielle Cruz, Nino and Valarie Cruz, Stephanie Miller and Stacey and Kevin Macek. He is also survived by numerous cousins and friends. Serving as pallbearers were, Roy Jimenez, Javier Garza, Thomas Cordova, Roel Jimenez, Adam Cruz, Israel Cruz, Nino Cruz, and Raymond Balles. Honorary pallbearers were Daniel Martinez, Jr., James Martinez, Joe Ramirez, III, Marcos Cruz, Aaron Cruz, Darian Gayfield, Andrew Duncan, and all of his teachers and aides that have helped over the years.