Alex Espinoza Sr.

1932 - 2023

In the early hours of Wednesday November 29th, Alex Espinoza Sr., 91, of Beaumont, TX passed from this realm; quietly, calmly, peacefully. The heavens are now hosting a bright new star. If you choose to look up at night, he'll be the one darting about amongst the others; telling jokes, entertaining them and inspiring their laughter.

Born Elisel Espinoza on July 3rd, 1932 in Port Arthur, TX to his parents, Fortino and Mary Dolores Espinoza, he grew up under the adoration of older sisters Lilly and Agar and younger brother Geraldo (Harry) Espinoza, an adoration he returned in kind. Family lore painted the picture of a mischievous, loving rascal. Stories that can be easily believed given the zest for life he carried with him throughout his life. After anxious school teachers were unable to pronounce Elisel correctly they began calling him 'Alex', a name he embraced and eventually changed to legally assimilate. He didn't shy from change and the art of compromise would serve him well the rest of his long life.

After graduating from Thomas Jefferson High School he was compelled to serve his country during the last year of the Korean War. He chose to join the Air Force and was sent to southern California for training before deployment. Though they courted in Beaumont, TX, it was in California where he married the love of his life and wife of 69 years, Delphine Gonzales. After several failed attempts to get her to say 'yes' while in Texas, she boarded a bus destined for Los Angeles with a white dress and her future brother-in-law as a chaperone in tow. True love couldn't take 'no' for an answer. They married at the famed Los Angeles courthouse and spent their first few months of matrimony under sunny southern California skies before his eventual stationing in Germany for the duration of his service.

After his discharge from the Air Force he returned to SE TX in 1956 to his young wife and infant son and namesake. Their family continued to grow to include another son and two daughters he worshipped. Despite career opportunities to relocate, Beaumont would remain his beloved home until the last year of his colorful life. Together and he and Delphine worked tirelessly to raise four very active children. Though the bulk of his professional career was spent as a supervisor for Rogers Brothers Enterprises (TSO), the needs of a growing family inspired him to take on odd jobs after hours. His natural talents went beyond entertaining others and included a steady hand and creative mind. Those who can remember the various snowmen and Santas that decorated the columns of the Gateway shopping center at Christmas during the late 60's and early 70's, as well as the giant star in the center of the parking area, will recall his handiwork. He was meticulous when it came to honoring his talents. Many long hours were spent crafting every project he chose to take on. After almost four decades with Rogers Brothers Ent. he concluded his active working years with the Jefferson County Courthouse, a place he loved dearly and where he found another roster of treasured coworkers.

While family and work remained his focus he thrived on his involvement with various community and charitable organizations. Among the many were the YMBL, Knights of Columbus, Lamar University Cardinal Club and his oft frequented hideaway, the local VFW. Whether volunteering during the Southeast Texas State Fair or delivering meals to the housebound and needy, he reveled in engaging with and helping others. His love of life was something he shared easily and circumstances were never a barrier. Billiards and bowling were also favorite pastimes. He was crafty with a pool cue and stories of his many conquests could easily fill a library.

Regardless of objective, be it delivering meals or hovering over a pool table, he was an artist/actor at heart and loved an audience, any audience. His sense of humor and love of mischief were legendary and refused to fade as the years and challenges stacked up. He garnered a legion of friends and admirers over his 91 years, many of whom have passed and will be greeting him in the heavenly receiving line while these words are read. He was also an animal-lover who treated them as his children. His beloved canines Patty and Peppy will be there waiting for him and his signature belly rubs. Through happy or desperate times, and there were many, he maintained a puckish gleam in his determined eyes, eyes that can now rest.

He is survived by his beautiful, loving wife Delphine Gonzales Espinoza as well as his beloved children; Alex Espinoza Jr., Mark Espinoza and Kimberly Espinoza Truax. Their spouses/partner; Terri Maxwell Espinoza, Paul Truax and Ben Johnson. He is also survived by his cherished grandchildren; Kelle Espinoza Hickey, Lauren Espinoza McMillan, Gabrielle Truax Rose and Kate, Emily and Olivia McNeil. Their respective spouses, Jeff Hickey, Jason McMillan and DJ Rose as well as his gorgeous great-grandchildren; Collin, Owen, Avery, Ryker, Cameron and step-great Shawn.

He is predeceased by his parents, his siblings, and loving nieces Linda Stokes and Rudi "Tookie" Schamber. He is also predeceased by his youngest daughter Gina Lynn Espinoza who lost her battle with cancer at the age of 15. He and Delphine fought bravely, with the entirety of their hearts and soul to save her and could never completely recover from the loss. If desired, any contribution to St. Jude Research Hospital in his memory at www.stjude.org would be welcomed and appreciated.

"All the darkness in the world cannot extinguish the light of a single candle."

- St. Francis of Assisi

We'd like to thank all the wonderful friends who've kept him, our candle, in their hearts. The various doctors and staff as well as the crew at Sodalis Senior Living for all their help and dedication. He was a lovable character of the highest caliber and his light will continue to shine for and onto all of us.

A celebration/gathering will be announced at a later date.