Fidel "Poncho" Perez Aquino

Fidel “Poncho” Perez Aquino, 82, of Poplar Bluff, Mo., passed away Wednesday, Dec. 27, 2017 at his residence.

Poncho, the son of the late Fidel and Reyes (Perez) Aquino, was born April 24, 1935 in Mexico City, Mexico. He was of the Baptist faith and had retired after 42 years as an OR Porter for Lucy Lee Hospital. Poncho never met a stranger and no matter how frightened a patient going into surgery seemed to be, he always had a comforting word and a soothing smile for them. Poncho was a hard worker and was always there to help his family, co-workers and friends, whether it was washing windows, cleaning carpets, putting on a new roof or chopping wood, he was there. He loved to spend time with his family and friends, and enjoyed woodworking and building things and listening to Beethoven at bedtime. Poncho was described by his daughter as "an amazing Daddy".

He married Shirley Ann Lewis, the love of his life on Dec. 13, 1967. She preceded him in death on Oct. 20, 2017.

Survivors include two children Ruth Ann Aquino (Jody) Fouts and Aaron Adrian Aquino of Poplar Bluff; seven grandchildren; Alisa Pennington, Sue Ann Ortego, Tiffany Dawn Morris, Jaron Hugh Aquino, Jessica Dawn Fouts, Linda Fouts and Amber Fouts; four great-grandchildren; and a host of friends and other relatives.

In addition to his parents, a son, Hugh Robbie Aquino, a sister, Benita Aquino and two brothers Jorge Perez Montero and Pascual Perez Aquino, also preceded Poncho in death.

Visitation will begin at 12 p.m. Tuesday January 2, 2018 at Cotrell Funeral Chapel in Poplar Bluff with funeral services following at 2 p.m. Rev. Ralph Mayes will officiate. Burial will follow at Memorial Gardens Cemetery.