Rafael Escobar Sr.

Rafael Escobar Sr. peacefully passed on March 20, 2022 at the age of 91. Rafael Escobar Sr. was born on November 25, 1930 in Ben Bolt, Texas to parents Eleuterio and Andrea Farias Escobar. Rafael received his education at Ben Bolt schools where he participated in various sports. He joined the Army in 1948, serving in the 89th Engineer Port Construction Company during the Korean War. While serving in the Army, he also continued his athletic career in Track and Field and was honorably discharged in 1952. He retired from Bridwell Oil Company after 43 years of employment and was highly respected in the oil field industry. Rafael married Beatriz Robles Vela in 1954 and celebrated 51 years of marriage until her death in 2005. Rafael enjoyed traveling with Bea and the family to various casinos, South Texas beaches and the Texas Hill Country. He thoroughly enjoyed poker nights every Friday with family and friends. Rafael looked forward to Sunday mass at St. Peter Mission in Ben Bolt, where he served in the finance council and was a member of the Knights of Columbus. Another Sunday ritual was going to the horse races at nearby communities with his brother, Ricardo, and close friends. Rafael lovingly cared for his wife, Beatriz, at his daughter’s home until she passed in 2005. In turn, his family, along with many others including caregivers and members of the Hospital and Hospice staff, admirably cared for Rafael after his diagnosis of Parkinson’s Disease in 2007, allowing him to pass peacefully at his daughter’s home, as one could pray for. Rafael wholeheartedly appreciated the many acts of kindness and continued prayers given by his extended family, neighbors, church family, caregivers, members of the Ben Bolt community and clergy. He was preceded in death by his wife, Beatriz, his parents and brothers: Ricardo (+Lita), Elijio (+Jesusa), Eleuterio (+Corina), Ramiro, Rojerio and Infant Roque Escobar; Sisters: Odilia (+Nicolas) Jimenez, Mary (+Joe) Flores, Angie (+Jesse) Adame, Polly Lopez, and Infant Alicia Escobar; Father/Mother in law: Ysidro Sr. and Candelaria Robles Vela; Sister in law Maria (+Gilberto) Vera and brother in law Jesus Vela. Left to cherish his memories are his daughter, Belinda Cynthia Escobar, and sons: Rafael Jr. (Grace), Roberto (MaryCarmen), Eduardo, and Mario (Norma) Escobar. Grandchildren: Sarita Llamas (Gabriel), Rafael Escobar III, Saul Hawkeye Escobar, Melanie Beatriz Garcia (Richard), Stephanie Lynn Trejo (Xavier), Maria Alyssa Escobar (Aldo), Erika Sofia Liles (Jeffrey), Valeria Rodriguez (John), Mikel Adriel Escobar, Roberto Jesus Escobar and David Ricardo Escobar. Great grandchildren: Amelia Lynn Trejo; Alexander, Fernando, Luis and Kimberly Llamas; Isla Beatriz and Liv Elaine Liles; Naya Irene Salas, and Ren Rodriguez. Sister: Andrea (Oscar) Hinojosa; Sisters in Law: Connie Escobar, Juanita Escobar, Lily (+Roman) Chapa, and Raquel (+Corando) Castillo. Brothers in Law: Ysidro Jr. (Sandra) Vela and David (Tanya) Vela. Visitation will be held on Thursday March 24, 2022 at St. Peter Mission in Ben Bolt, TX from 8-10 AM, Holy Rosary at 10 AM and funeral mass following at 11 AM. Burial to follow with military honors at Calaveras Cemetery in Ben Bolt, TX. Family kindly requests that face masks be worn during services. Pallbearers will be Rafael Escobar Jr., Rafael Escobar III, Roberto Jesus Escobar, David Ricardo Escobar, Xavier Trejo, Jeffrey Liles, Aldo Salas, Mikel Adriel Escobar and Honorary Pallbearer Richard Garcia.

Rafael Escobar Sr.

November 25, 1930 - March 20, 2022