Juven Michael Diaz was born to Atanacio Lopez-Diaz and Micaela Martinez-Diaz on January 25, 1924 in Uriangato, GTO, Mexico and departed into eternal life with Jesus Christ on November 20, 2013.

Juven was a loving father, husband, brother, grandfather, great-grandfather and great-great-grandfather. He was preceded in death by his wife, Esperanza "Hope" Velasquez Diaz, his parents, his sisters, Jesus "Jesse" Diaz Quintero and Elvira "Mary Ellen" Diaz Robinson, and his great-grandson, Quinn Lambert.

He is survived by his children whom he deeply loved, Gloria Juarez (Manuel) of Kansas City, Carolyn Stancil (James) of Independence, Michael Diaz (Cheryl) of Williamsport, Pa., Angela Hankins (Raymond) of Independence, and Cynthia Diaz Manes of Independence. He is survived by his five brothers and a sister: Manuel Diaz (Mary) of San Chrisanto, Yucatan, Mexico, Adela "Helen" Estevez (Armand) of Kansas City, Atanacio "Anthony" Diaz (Juanita) of Kansas City, Bernaldino "Bev" (Clara) of Independence, Benjamin Diaz of Basehor, and Alfred "Fred" Diaz (Betty) of Buckner. Juven leaves 14 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great-grandchildren.

Juven was a proud veteran of WWII, serving for the United States Navy from 1943 through 1945 in submarine duty. He was stationed on the USS Sargo, USS Cobia and USS Litchfield during the war and served as a Storekeeper. He then served in the Naval Reserves from 1946 to 1954 and was discharged as a Storekeeper 1st Class.

Juven later served the Kansas City area as a Pastor for the Defenders of the Faith and preached at many churches teaching the Word and spreading the Gospel message. He also took the Word to the remote regions of Mexico where he led many to the faith. His service to the Lord was source of deep humility as he always looked to his Savior for guidance in his life.

Visitation will be at Passantino Bros. Funeral Home, 2117 Independence Blvd., Kansas City, Mo., on Sunday, November 24, from 6-8 p.m. The celebration of life for Juven will be at Calvary Temple, 5607 St. John Ave., Kansas City, Mo., on Monday, November 25, at 2:00 p.m. Burial with military honors will follow at Mt. Washington Cemetery, Independence, Mo.

Condolences may be offered at www.passantinobros.com