Edward J. Escobedo

It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of Edward Joe Escobedo, a longtime resident of Plano, Texas. He died on August 6, 2024 at the age of 73 due to complications from RSV. He was born on August 19, 1950 in San Antonio, Texas and was affectionately known as Eddie Joe, Eddie, or Ed depending on who you spoke to. He was born into a large, loving extended family where days were spent with his parents, grandparents, aunts and cousins. He was impacted in a big way by his grandfather Cruz Badillo, who owned a restaurant, "La Bohemia," in downtown San Antonio. He would often recount days of helping at the cafe and going to the Alameda theater to watch matinee movies with his Papa Cruz. These days were precious to him and gave him a deep love for his heritage and family. His many wonderful stories of family get togethers, good food, and good times are memories that have helped to shape us all.

When he was a teenager his family moved to Mississauga, Ontario in Canada for his father's welding job. He had many outdoor adventures there and learned a bit of French which he liked to show off at just the right time. He had a knack for languages and could pick up just enough to impress!

Upon returning to the states to graduate high school (Central Catholic), he became involved with Teacher Corps. This gave him the opportunity to study at Trinity University, graduating with a BA in education. He took advantage of the program without realizing he was about to enter his perfect vocation. Ed was a natural born educator. Before he became a teacher, he was a voracious reader, curious observer, hitchhiker across America, folk singer, stereo buff, and lover of just about everything new or exciting. He loved life, meeting people and could always make you laugh with his goofy jokes.

After graduation from Trinity, he worked for Edgewood ISD and San Antonio ISD where he worked with special needs children at the San Antonio Children's Center. He was married in 1980 to his life partner Mary and returned to the university to earn his master's degree in administration. After graduation he was offered a position with the U.S. Dept. of Defense to teach special needs children overseas. Soon he, Mary and their newborn son found themselves in Yokosuka, Japan, living on the economy with Ed teaching on a Naval Base. He implemented a special education program in the school there which supported the Naval population. He traveled across Japan, taking in the culture and language and became a favorite English teacher to many students while he was there. He and Mary were then blessed with 2 more children there in Japan.

In 1986 the decision was made to return to the States and back to the family both Ed and Mary were missing. The young family set down roots in Plano, Texas and Ed worked as a teacher in Special Ed and Math at Haggard Middle School. He taught English as a Second Language at Vines High School as well as to adults at church communities. It was also during these years that Ed did many things that supported the communities he loved. To name just a few; he spent time as a Court Appointed Special Advocate for youth in foster care, worked as a Frisco Rough Riders usher, and was active with the Boy Scouts of America as a Den leader and Scout Master.

From 1998-2001 Ed held administrative positions in Dallas ISD at Hill Middle School as well as Hillcrest Highschool before he was hired back into Plano ISD as an assistant principal at Jasper Highschool. The Jasper HS years were some of Ed's happiest. He absolutely loved the teachers, staff, and most importantly the students. "Mr. Ed" was always in the halls, in and out of classrooms and interacting with students and staff alike. There is simply not enough space to name all the dear co-workers who impacted Ed and enriched his life. When asked what he would like to say to his colleagues towards the end of his life he said, "Work was never hard because I worked with top people. I had such a great time." It showed even in his own home where the walls featured the countless art, gifts, and tributes given to him over the years. His wife, Mary, recounts that whenever they had a chance to grab a bite of lunch in Plano, often students would see him and come to his table to talk to him. His son has commented on meeting people who knew Ed not only at his college in East Texas but at his workplace in Houston. Mary has called Plano businesses and while speaking with someone, has been asked if she was related to Mr. Ed. It always surprises his family how far his impact has reached as the students he taught moved out into the community and the world.

Ed worked at Jasper until his retirement in 2009. He continued substitute teaching and admin jobs until Covid hit which finally kept Ed at home. It was during and after this time that he experienced his most precious years traveling to visit his children and grandchildren. He was a beloved Poopaw to 8 grandchildren, the last being a newborn granddaughter he was blessed to meet a few days before he passed away. His absence will be felt most acutely by these children that adored him.

Ed is survived by his wife Mary, children Joe (Rebecca), Philip and Elisabeth Dena (Brian); his sisters Elida Ozuna, Susie Ray and brother Steve Escobedo and dear friend and brother Harry Stine. He is also survived by his dear cousins Rosemary Meyer and Gloria Diaz, as well as many cousins, nephews and nieces and lastly the loves of his life, his 8 grandchildren; Natalie, Samuel, Luke, Isaac, Oliver, Benjamin, Jonathan and Rachel.

He is preceded in death by his beloved parents Joe and Beatrice Escobedo and his sister Nance Escobedo.

Eddie lived an incredible life that was filled with all that he enjoyed, the people he loved and, ultimately, with his much-adored grandchildren. He left behind a beautiful legacy through the career he was so passionate about. He was not only a moral man but, through his actions, taught all the value of hard work. It is through this work and his children that his values of "whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is lovely, and admirable" will live on (Phil. 4:8). We are comforted that we will meet him again alongside our Lord and our Savior.

There will be a memorial service and Mass in San Antonio at a later date where his life will be celebrated with his San Antonio family. He will come full circle, back to the community he loved and where he began this amazing life journey.

Ed loved to hunt and fish and enjoyed being outdoors and spent many outings with his father and brother Steve and children in South Texas and on Padre Island. Donations may be made to Texas Parks and Wildlife to honor his love of outdoor life.