Rafael Vasquez Jimenez, a devoted husband, loving father, doting grandfather, and respected member of the community, passed away peacefully on October 19, 2023, at the age of 82. He was born on November 24, 1940, in Cd. Mante, Tamaulipas, Mexico, to his proud parents, Refugia Vasquez Jimenez and Wenceslao Jimenez. Rafael’s passing has left a void that will be felt deeply by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
As a young man, Rafael moved to the United States and lived in Coleman County in the Santa Anna and Trickham area, before moving to Coleman over forty years ago. Many years ago, he was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church and active in De Colores. Rafael was a hardworking man, who did everything from remodeling to collecting broomweed for resale. Through his self-employment, he demonstrated not only his exceptional work ethic but also his entrepreneurial spirit, which continues to inspire many. In 1960, he was married to Carmen Garcia and in December, they would have celebrated 63 years of marriage.
Outside of his professional life, Rafael found solace in the nurturing of his land. His love for agriculture was evident in his ability to cultivate fruitful gardens, filled with vibrant vegetables and bountiful fruit trees. His green thumb enabled him to grow cacti of all kinds. Rafael took great pride in raising his chickens, sheep, and goats, applying his agricultural knowledge and skill to provide for his family. His dedication to self-sufficiency and sustainability will be a cherished legacy for generations to come.
Beyond his work and hobbies, Rafael’s true joy in life was his family. He was a devoted husband to his loving spouse, Carmen Jimenez, and a caring father to his daughters and sons, Richardo Jimenez and wife Marthina of Laredo, Mexico, Maria de los Santos and husband Amado Regena of Cuidad de Mante, Mexico, Carmen Delgadillo and husband Jose of Coleman, Rafael Jimenez, Jr., and wife Griselda of Piedras Negras, Mexico, Leoncio Jimenez, Jorge Jimenez and wife Maria of Acapulco, Mexico, Geronimo Jimenez of Piedras Negras, Mexico, Fernando Jimenez and wife Norma of Coleman, Rosio Jimenez of Coleman, Dalia Ramirez and husband Sergio of Odessa, Gabriel Jimenez and wife Evelyn of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; brothers, Raul Jimenez of Cuidad Mante, Mexico and Viviano Jimenez of Reynosa, Mexico; sister, Miquaela Alvarez of Reynosa, Mexico; a doting grandfather to his grandchildren, Maria Delgadillo, Jay Delgadillo, Genisis Griffin, Shala Griffin, Ian Griffin, LaChrisha Castro, Jorge Jimenez, Jr., Saydie Bradley, Anna Jimenez, Ivan Jimenez, Alex Jimenez, Jovani Ramirez, Lidia Ramirez, Karlee Bradley, Rafael Jimenez III, Victor Jimenez, Jonathan Jimenez, DeLise Sanchez, Angelica Padilla, Albert Padilla and many other grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by a grandson, Armando Ramirez, two sons, Oscar Jimenez, and Cesar Jimenez, two daughters, Lupita Jimenez, and Veronica Jimenez, and his parents.
The family will host a visitation on Saturday, October 21, 2023, from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. in Stevens Funeral Home Chapel, 400 W. Pecan Street, Coleman.
Funeral service will be held 10:30 a.m. Sunday, October 22, 2023, at Stevens Funeral Home Chapel with Seth Moore, pastor of Hords Creek Cowboy Church, officiating. Interment will follow in the Coleman City Cemetery.
Please leave kind thoughts and condolences for his family on his obituary page at www.stevesfuneralhome.com. Stevens Funeral Home is honored to serve the Jimenez family.