Fernando Marroquin Robles, MD, age 94, of Athens, Ga., beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather and companion, died peacefully at home on February 19, 2026, surrounded by loved ones.

Born on December 5, 1931, in Santa Cruz Itundjia in Oaxaca, Mexico, he grew up in Mexico City. He often shared stories about life with his close-knit family, memories of old Mexico and the hours he spent during his youth hiking the high-altitude mountains that surround the city.

In 1958, La Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Mexico conferred upon him the distinguished degree of physician and surgeon. In 1964, he received a master’s of science degree in biochemistry from Tulane University.

After emigrating to the United States in 1961, he became a proud American citizen during the nation’s Bicentennial year.

During his professional career he worked for a variety of organizations, including Mead Johnson Company in medical research and Eli Lilly pharmaceuticals. In the late 1980s, he was a professor at Owensboro Community College, part of the University of Kentucky. He retired from the University of Alabama’s Safe State agency, where he taught workplace safety courses, in the 1990s.

Proud of his Mexican heritage, he introduced countless numbers of people to Mexico’s culture, traditions, food and music.

Among his varied interests were geology, genealogy, history, Big Band and Latin dance music and photography. He completed several Osher Lifelong Learning Institutes (OLLI) courses both in Tuscaloosa and Athens.

A man of faith, he was a long-time member of Forest Lake United Methodist Church in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, where he was a member of the Chancel Choir, and Tuckston United Methodist Church in Athens.

He was predeceased by his mother, Leonor Robles, stepfather, Roberto Marroquin, and brother, Pedro Marroquin.

Fernando is survived by his loving companion of 38 years and caregiver, Judith Comer Buckley.

He is survived by his children: Fernando Enrique Marroquin and his wife, Natividad Sanchez, of Athens, Ga.; Yolanda Marroquin of Lisbon, Portugal; Paulette Marroquin of Mexico City; Betty Marroquin of Pachuca, Mexico; Sally Marroquin and her husband, Israel Peralta of Puebla, Mexico; John Marroquin (Aditi) of Pflugerville, TX; Katy Long (Shawn) of Sparta, IL; and Chris Marroquin (Lynne) of Lansing, MI.

Also, by his grandchildren: Faith Long of St. Louis, MO; Serita Long of Cape Girardeau, MO; Ashley Saxman (Justin) of Lansing, MI; Fernando “Fer” Marroquin of Athens, Ga.,; Gerardo Sanchez of Aguascalientes, Mexico; Erick Sanchez (Lucero) of Aguascalientes, Mexico; Angelica Sanchez (Helder) of Lisbon, Portugal; Paulette Huelgas (Claudio) of Mexico City; Amira Huelgas of Mexico City; Aranza Huelgas of Mexico City; Amilcar Huelgas of Tulum, Q.R., Mexico; Meryt Marroquin (Yohan) of La Gerbaudie, France; Itzel Gonzalez of Pachuca, Mexico; Marifer Peralta (Diego) of Mexico City; Israel Peralta of Puebla, Mexico; Karen Rivas (Khaled) of Mexico City; and Enrique Marroquin of La Cruz, Sinaloa, Mexico.

Also, by his great-grandchildren: Diego Sanchez, Jimena Sanchez, Ashley Sanchez, Hanna Sanchez, Stefani Marroquin , Amy Marroquin, Jun Melendez, Aurora Cadena, Lucia Londchal, Luna Londchal, Weston Saxman, and Ishani Marroquin.

Fernando played an important role in the life of Judy’s children, Victoria (Dan) and Jeff (Scarlet), and grandchildren, Alex Curran, Kathryn Curran, Oliver Buckley and Alex Buckley, who all returned to him the love and affection he gave them.

A mass of Christian burial will be held on Saturday, February 28, at 1:00 pm at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, 958 Epps Bridge Pkwy, Athens, Ga. 30606. In accordance with his wishes, Fernando’s ashes will be scattered among the majestic hills overlooking Mexico City.

The staff of Central Cremation Services is honored to be selected to provide end-of-life services.

(If you order flowers, please do not send flowers to the crematory)