Raul Rios

Weslaco: Raul Rios, 70, passed away at his home on Friday, January 20, 2023, surrounded by family. Raul was born on July 5, 1952, to Juan and San Juana (Sanchez) Rios in Osceola, Arkansas. He grew up in Weslaco, but the family migrated north for most of Raul’s childhood. 

As a migrant, Raul learned the value of hard work, one of his most valuable characteristics. Raul also met Juanita Ramos during one of those migrant trips. Raul and Janie, fifteen years old from Weslaco, Texas, and both working in Berrien Springs, Michigan, picking peaches with their families was where their love story began. 

Raul and Janie were married in 1971 and have been inseparable ever since. 

Raul worked in the funeral, cemetery, and life insurance industries most of his life. Raul worked at Sacred Park Cemetery in Mercedes for many years. He was a great provider and adored his wife, daughters, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. 

Raul was passionate about sports. He could watch any sport, but Friday night lights were his favorite. Raul was a loyal Weslaco Panther fan and cheered them at as many events as possible. He loved watching his grandchildren grow up and playing sports. When they became Panthers, he was over the moon. Raul was also a lifetime Dallas Cowboys fan. He was able to watch them live in both stadiums. Raul’s favorite baseball team was the New York Yankees. So, weekends were usually spent watching sports and spending time with family. 

Most importantly, Raul was a born-again Christian. He and Janie were long-time members of The Door Christian Fellowship in Weslaco. 

Raul is preceded in death by his parents, Juan and San Juana Rios, grandson, Nathaniel Stephen Lugo, sister Maria Polina, brothers Ramiro Martinez and Rene Rios, nephew Salvador Lopez Jr., and son-in-law, Michael Rivera. 

He is survived by his loving wife, Juanita “Janie” Rios, daughters, Celinda Lugo (Robert) and Belissa R. Rivera (Michael+), brothers, Ruben Rios, Juan Rios Jr., and Robert Rios, sisters, Irene Soliz and Consuelo Rios, grandchildren, Jacob Lugo (Idalis), Ryan Lugo (Gabby), Matthew Lugo, Marcus Lugo, Lani Lugo (Edward), and Robert Rivera, great-grandchildren, Dimitri Lara, Skylar Hernandez, Brayden Lugo, and Grayson Lugo, numerous nieces and nephews. 

Visitation will be Sunday, January 22nd, 1-9 pm at McCaleb Funeral Home. The funeral service will be held Monday, January 23, at noon, at The Door Christian Fellowship in Weslaco. Raul will be laid to rest next to his grandson at Sacred Park Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers will be Jacob, Ryan, Matthew, and Marcus Lugo, Robert Rivera, and Robert Lugo.