Daniel Botello Sr.

Daniel Botello Sr., a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, proud United States Marine, and dedicated nurse, passed away peacefully under hospice care on Sunday at Village Healthcare and Rehabilitation, surrounded by the legacy of a life lived in service to others.
Daniel was born on September 22, 1939, in Odem, Texas, to Trinidad Botello and Inez Flores Botello. His family later settled in the City of Mission, in the community known as Valle Hermoso, where he attended Roosevelt Elementary School and Mission High School. In his youth, Daniel was affectionately known as "La Coneja," a nickname fondly remembered by family and friends as a symbol of his spirited nature and early years in the community he would always call home.
At just 17 years old, Daniel enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. A man of deep patriotism and discipline, he proudly served his country as an Anti-Tank Assault man and Professional Director of Firearms. His service took him across the world, and one of the proudest highlights of his military career was climbing Mount Fuji while stationed overseas, a testament to his strength, determination, and adventurous spirit. He carried the honor, values, and brotherhood of the Marines with him for the rest of his life. On May 1, 1960, Daniel married the love of his life, Ausencia Gonzalez at Our Lady Guadalupe Church. Together they built a beautiful life rooted in faith, commitment, and family. Their marriage was a true partnership and a lasting example of love and devotion.
In 1962, Daniel answered another calling one of compassion and care. He earned his Licensed Vocational Nursing diploma through the Mission Municipal Hospital Diploma Program. For more than 45 years, Daniel dedicated his entire nursing career to the City of Mission's hospital, originally known as Mission Municipal Hospital and later renamed Mission Hospital, proudly serving the very community that raised him.
As a surgical scrub nurse, Daniel worked side by side with many renowned physicians of the Rio Grande Valley. Through skill, steadiness, and humility, he broke barriers and glass ceilings, showing that nursing was not only a woman's profession, but a calling for men with strong hands and compassionate hearts.
Daniel was a proud father to three children: Daniel Botello Jr. (Irma), Orlando Botello (Raquel), and Anna Gilda Rodriguez (Alejandro).
He was preceded in death by his beloved grandson, Alejandro Rodríguez, whose passing in April 2025 was a profound loss he carried with quiet strength.
Daniel leaves behind a large and loving family who will forever cherish his guidance, humor, and steadfast presence. His grandchildren and great-grandchildren were among his greatest joys. Grandchildren include: Daniel Kevin Futrell, Daniella Inez Botello, Denyssa Imar Botello, DeAndra Illeret Botello, Amanda Cantu, Anna Lisa Botello, Veronica Teresa Rodríguez, Ramon Mario Rodríguez, and Gabriel Andres Rodríguez.
Great-grandchildren include: Isabella Valentina Cano, Sebastian Praxedis Cano, Caryssa Saleen Valdez, Lola Ava Figueroa, Mia Adilene Garcia, Ximena Anita Garcia, Carolina Isabella Cantu, Victoria Sofia Cantu, and Lianna Citlali Doria.
Daniel was a devoted grandfather and great-grandfather who took immense pride in every milestone, achievement, and smile of the generations that followed him. He was a loyal Dallas Cowboys fan who never missed a game, watching each one with enthusiasm, commentary, and unwavering hope. He also proudly cheered for the Texas A&M Aggies and the Texas Longhorns, supporting the collegiate teams of his grandchildren's alma maters with equal pride.
Above all else, Daniel loved his country, his family, and the life of service he was blessed to live. Whether remembered as "La Coneja," a United States Marine who climbed Mount Fuji, a respected nurse, or the loving patriarch of his family, Daniel Botello Sr.'s legacy lives on in the many lives he healed, the family he nurtured, and the values he instilled.
He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.