Jose A. Morales

Jose A. Morales passed away on Sunday, January 18, 2026. Visitation is from 6-8pm with the Rosary recited at 7:00pm on Tuesday, January 27th at OakCrest Funeral Home. Services will be held at 10:00am on Wednesday, January 28th also at OakCrest Funeral Home with the burial at Oakwood Cemetery immediately following.

Jose entered the United States Army in March 1960 and retired in February 1981 as an SFC. He was offered the rank of MSG. E8, but decided to retire rather than take the promotion.

His time in the service took Jose all over the world, Ft. Benning, Germany, Ft. Lewis, Vietnam, Hawaii, and Ft. Hood to name a few. He served as a Drill Sgt. At Ft. Polk for A.I.T., at Ft. Ord for basic training, and Ft. Sill for basic training.

Jose also served as a recruiter in Denver, CO. He attended Recruiter School at Ft. Benjamin, Drill Sgt. School at Ft. Polk, and the N.C.O. Academy at Ft. Riley.

Jose had several awards and decorations including the C.I.B., Drill Stg.-Gunners Wings, Recruiter Badge, Vietnam Cross of Gal entry, Presidential Unit Citation 4th Division and 25th Division, Bronze Start with “V” device, Purple Heart with Oak Leaf Cluster, Meritorious Service Award with “V” device, Army Commendation Medal with “V” device, Occupation Ribbon-Berlin-N.D.S.M., Expeditionary Force Medal, and the Vietnam Service Ribbon with 9 Campaign Stars, just to name a few.

Jose spent a total of 4 years in combat in Vietnam and had 8 Overseas Hash Marks.

Jose was instrumental in the improvement of his Chapter and in organizing many of the events and Chapter projects. He served in many positions and is a past Chapter 4077 Commander.