Joe Edward "Eddie" Rios

Weslaco- Edward Joe Rios "Eddie," 52, went to be the Lord, Friday, March 15th, 2019. Eddie was born on March 2, 1967, in Salinas, California. He and his brother, Abelardo "Casper," were raised by their loving grandmother, Maria E Guajardo in Weslaco. Eddie and Casper were very close, and as they continued to mature, their relationship remained steadfast and unique. They were not only brothers but indeed best friends. Eddie graduated from Weslaco High School in 1985 where he excelled in swimming. He was a bright student and continued his education at Pan American University, where he found his "lifelong princess" Judith (Monique). They were married in 1992. They both became teachers and began a family in Weslaco. They were blessed with two sons, Justin and Zachary, and a daughter, Vianney. Family meant everything to Eddie, and he did everything possible to create priceless memories with his wife, children, and brother. Eddie took his children to concerts all over the country. He wanted them to experience things he was not able to, he and his sons were able to see Stone Temple Pilot, KISS, and Motley Crue, to name a few. His second princess, Vianney, had her own selection of concert music, maybe not Eddie's favorites, but he went to great lengths to make sure she had her own concert experiences with dad. They saw Penatronix in Houston, Austin, and even California. He had just gifted her tickets to Ariana Grande in Houston. Eddie would travel to the ends of the Earth for his family and was the best husband a girl could ask for, treating his bride like the princess he met in college for their entire married life. Besides attending concerts and spending time with his family, Eddie loved fixing up cars and always had a project he was working on around the house. He was a die-hard Oakland Raiders fan and never missed a game. Many will remember Eddie from his teaching days, most recently, 5th grade Math at Memorial Elementary. He was a devoted teacher; charismatic, energetic, optimistic, but mostly, he was selfless. He gave of his time and energy, staying late to help tutor, making sure that all of his children understood and would not be left behind. He talked about his family all of the time, and if he could help his students to succeed as he did his children, he met his objective and his true calling. Eddie is preceded in death by his grandma, Maria E Guajardo. He is survived by his loving wife and princess, Monique, sons, Justin and Zachary Rios, daughter, Vianney Rios, brother and best friend, Abelardo "Casper" Lopez Jr. (Cynthia) of Weslaco, father and mother in law, Juan and Diana Sanchez of McAllen, brothers in law, Romeo Sanchez (Marissa) of Weslaco, Michael Sanchez (Lisa) of McAllen, and Jason Sanchez of McAllen, nephews and nieces, Andre, Mickey, Renee, and Tealyn Sanchez, Ashlee Lizette Ocanas (Ramon), Abelardo III and Adriel Lopez. Eddie will always be remembered as a jovial character who lit up the room, loving husband, father, brother, and teacher. Visitation will be held on Sunday, March 17th, 2019, from 1-9pm, with a time of sharing and memories at 6 pm followed by a rosary at 7 pm at McCaleb Funeral Home Chapel. Mass will be celebrated on Monday, March 18th, 10 am, at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church, father Francisco Solis officiating. Burial will follow at Weslaco City Cemetery. If you would like to make a contribution in lieu of flowers, please do so below: https://portal.icheckgateway.com/McCalebFuneralHome/Default.aspx