Our beloved friend, husband, father, uncle and grandfather Jose “Joe” Escobedo Del Prado, Jr. passed away on October 10, 2021. We saw the signs that day, a cardinal in a tree, a wolf on a mountain – the angels came down to take him home. He was surrounded by his five grateful children and devoted wife, who lovingly cared for him as he battled Parkinson’s in his final years. He was born on July 23, 1935, in Runge, Texas to Leonor and Jose Del Prado. He was preceded in death by his three sisters, Manuela Madrigal, Herminia Tamez, Juanita Salinas and grandchild, Alexandra Del Prado.
He married the love of his life, Mary Margaret Carbajal, in 1956 and they would have been wed for 65 years. He is survived by Margaret and their children, Carrie Benton (Ron), Mario Del Prado (Christine), Elly Del Prado Dietz (Michael), Anna Sellers (Bob) and Angela Lippman (Jason).
He is survived by his beautiful grandchildren, Allison Scarboro (Brooks), Samantha Hoss (Daniel), Amanda Del Prado, Eve Del Prado, Mia Del Prado, Tess Del Prado, Sharon Calderon (Paco), Aidan Dietz (Desirae), Esperanza Sellers, Josephina Sellers, Alec Lippman, Isabella Lippman and Jaxon Lippman.
He had great-grandchildren, Juliana, Keira, Sophia, Heidi, Max and Camila and numerous nieces and nephews. He was so proud of his family and all were blessed to have full hearts on the day he passed.
He graduated from high school in Runge, Texas at a time when few Mexican-Americans could or did. He enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1954 and served for four years before attending the University of Texas at Austin. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and worked as a contract negotiator for the Air Force in San Antonio for many years. After retiring, he had many jobs keeping books for local companies. He was a lifelong, cherished member of St. Luke Catholic Church.
Dancing with Margaret, raising kids, watching baseball and football, and humoring us all were his favorite things to do. He never forgot where he came from and he made us all humble and kind in his image.
He was Joe, Dad, Grandpa, Papi, Bisabuelo and love to us all. He never met a stranger, had a smile that would light up the room and was the biggest Texas Longhorn fan on earth! He is well missed and fondly remembered — having touched many hearts in his 86 years.
