This week’s Grave of the Week is Michael Diaz, who was tragically taken in a car accident in 1995. Michael was travelling to Visalia to be fitted for a tuxedo to be an escort in a friend’s quinceañera. Michael was 15 years old.
Hundreds of people attended the funeral for this young man, who, even at such a young age, saw himself as the protector of his family. Michael was outgoing and was always there to solve any problem his family faced. He took great care of the family, including his sisters. When his sister Stephanie was born, he took one look at her and told his mom, “That’s a Stephanie.”
On the weekends, Michael worked as a farm laborer to help the family. He was an excellent helper. He chose that time to take his ill-fated trip to Visalia so he would not miss work. He had good judgement and took pride in himself always.
At school, he was also a hard worker, and a good friend. His mother received compliments from so many of Michael’s classmates telling her how Michael touched their lives. He was a two-year varsity wrestler. Members of the Exeter High wrestling team served as pall bearers and Michael was buried in his wrestling singlet and jersey.
20 years later, Michael is still touching lives. Two separate people requested Micheal’s story be shared and it is an honor to do so. Michael’s mother joined him in Heaven in 2015.
Please share your happy memories of Michael here. His friends and family are still in Exeter and still remember this wonderful person.
Message if you know anyone who should be featured on Grave of the Week. Please include any information about the person’s life and where the grave is located.
Please continue to like, share, and follow the Exeter Public Cemetery District and thank you to Exeter Chamber of Commerce, Exeter Kiwanis, Kiwanis Club Of Farmersville, Kiwanis of Woodlake, The Sun-Gazette Newspaper for sharing.