Francisco Emilio ‘Poncho’ Canales

Mr. Francisco Emilio “Poncho” Canales, 32, of Dalton, departed this life Sunday, April 29, 2012, at his home.

Poncho was born Aug. 31, 1979, in Sweetwater, Tenn. He was preceded in death by his father, Emilio Canales Eguia. He was a graduate of Dalton High School and proudly served his country in the U.S. Marines. He was a member of the Christian Fellowship Assembly.

He is survived by his mother, Debbie S. Canales; brother, Christopher Canales; niece, Emily Canales, all of Dalton; and several aunts, uncles and cousins.

Services to celebrate the life of Mr. Francisco Emilio “Poncho” Canales will be held Saturday at 1 p.m. at Ponders Melrose Chapel with the Rev. Dan Hocker officiating. He will be laid to rest with his father at the Colonial Hills Memorial Park Cemetery. His friends will serve as pallbearers.

The family will receive friends at Ponders Melrose Chapel today from 6 to 9 p.m. and on Saturday from 10 a.m. to the funeral hour.

Arrangements are by locally owned and operated Ponders Funeral Home, Melrose Chapel, Dalton; (706) 226-4002.