Antonio R. Escamilla, Sr.

Antonio R. Escamilla, Sr., passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on March 21, 2025, in Alice, Texas. Born on October 10, 1932, in Brownsville, Texas, Antonio's journey through life was marked by his unwavering dedication to his family, his tireless work ethic, and his vibrant spirit that brought joy to all who knew him.

Antonio is preceded in death by his parents, Aniceto and Guadalupe Escamilla; his son, Ovidio Escamilla, Sr.; his grandson, Daniel Escamilla; his brothers, Jose (Maria Louisa) Escamilla and Demetrio Escamilla; his sisters, Rosa Escamilla and Raquel (Armando) Munoz; his in-laws, Antonio and Eliza Blanco; and his sisters-in-law, Virginia Flores, Maria (Eladio) Valadez, and Rebecca (Frank) Hernandez. His life was a testament to the strength and resilience of family bonds, navigating the pain of loss with grace and courage.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 70 years, Frances Escamilla, and their children, Carlos (Imelda) Escamilla, Antonio Escamilla, Jr., and Belinda (Antonio) Zamora, Sr. His grandchildren, Ovidio (Elisa) Escamilla, Jr., Ashley (Martin) Vargas, Jennifer Escamilla, Monique (Richard) Pasamonte, Vanessa (Brad) Park, Lora Clarissa Pena, Antonio "AJ" Zamora, Jr., Ileen (Colton) Lopez, Antonio "Tony" (Veronica Tapia) Escamilla, III, and Erika (Justin) Garcia, will carry on his spirit, as well as his 14 great-grandchildren who brought him immeasurable happiness. Antonio also leaves behind his siblings, Maria (Teodoro) Gonzalez, Paula (Adan) Canales, and Magdalena "Maggie" Escamilla; and his sisters-in-law Sylvana (Armando) Aguilar, Elaine Blanco, Hilda Estrada, Martha Villegas, Dolores "Janie" Villegas, Cristina Canas; and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and dear friends who will forever cherish his memory.

Throughout his life, Antonio was known for his steadfast reliability and punctuality as a truck driver for Val-Cap and Tesoro Petroleum. His colleagues respected him not only for his professionalism but also for the warmth and generosity he extended to everyone he met.

Antonio's interests were as rich and varied as the life he led. He had a passion for wrestling, and his love for music found expression in his singing and dancing. Known for his skillful hands, he could fix anything that needed repairs, and his culinary talents shone brightly in his cooking, especially his renowned beans and barbeque. Family gatherings were often graced by his delicious meals, and barbequing for his family was his favorite pastime.

Generous, selfless, and courageous—these words encapsulate the essence of Antonio, affectionally known as “Welo”. He had a deep appreciation for the simple pleasures of life, such as sitting outside, watching the birds, observing the clouds, and greeting passersby with a friendly wave. His presence was a comforting constant in the lives of those he loved.

Welo’s legacy is one of love, hard work, and the joy of family. He taught us the importance of family unity, and the courage to face life's challenges with a smile. His spirit will live on in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to have known this incredible man. As we bid farewell to Antonio “Welo” R. Escamilla, Sr., we celebrate a life well-lived, which was full of love, laughter, and the enduring strength of family.

Welo’s family will receive condolences on Wednesday, March 26, 2025, at Trevino Funeral Home Alice, 120 E. Front St., from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM, with the Holy Rosary to be recited at 12:00 PM. A funeral cortege will depart the funeral home at 12:30 PM for his Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 1:00 PM, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Alice, Texas. His Rite of Committal and Interment will follow at Roberson-Collins Memorial Cemetery.

Honoring Welo as pallbearers are Ovidio Escamilla, Jr., Brad Park, Richard Pasamonte, Justin Garcia, Colton Lopez, AJ Zamora, Jr., Justin Garcia, Jr., and Antonio “Tony“ Escamilla III. Honorary Pallbearers are Erika Garcia, Ileen Lopez, Jasen Garcia, and Colton Lopez, Jr.