MIDLAND, Texas — People could be seen hugging and consoling one another outside of the Nalley-Pickle and Welch Funeral Home Tuesday, as they all came out to pay their respects to the late City Councilman Dan Corrales.
Among them was Ernest Angelo, a long-time friend and former Midland mayor (1972-1980).
"I’ve known Dan since he ran for office the first time," Angelo said. "I supported him I was proud to do that. I think he was committed to help do service for Midland and I appreciated and respected his commitment to our City."
Angelo respected Corrales so much because he never gave up.
"We talked a lot," Angelo said. "I was happy to do that, to tell him what I thought about things and to hear what he thought. The thing I really respected about Dan was that he was never afraid to say what he believed and stand up for it and I respected that very greatly. I just say that Dan’s loss is a loss for the community. He had the potential to be a great leader for Midland and it’s a tragedy he’s not with us."
Corrales leaves behind family and friends who loved him. He had two little sisters, Gabriella Trabazo and Mary Ellen Trabazo, who shared statements with NewsWest 9.
“To my big brother, with your BIG heart, I will miss you for the rest of my life. I love you Jesus Daniel Corrales and I hope I made you proud because the truth is I would not be where I am professionally without you. You always told me I’d be great and you inspired me every single day to be better because of who you were and what you believed in. You were brilliant, loving, hardworking and the best older brother. You showed me the world and told me ALWAYS that it was mine for the taking, I am going to live out your legacy hermano mio …I promise. I’m proud of you Dan and more importantly I love you, your little sister….aka rockstar.” - Gabriella Trabazo
“To my big brother Dan the man / Nacho Libre. I can’t even begin to picture my life without you in it. I wish we had more time to spend together but I will forever cherish the memories we’ve made. I hope you knew how much I love and looked up to you quierdo hermano. Now you can rest in peace and know that me and Gab will take care of our dear mama. I love you Daniel Jesus Corrales.” - Mary Ellen Trabazo
There will be a funeral mass on Wednesday, Feb. 7, starting at 2 p.m. at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church. The service is open to the public.