Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
JOEL ESCOBAR Obituary
PHARR - Joel Rene Escobar y Saenz was called home by his Lord, Tuesday, February 15, 2011 at Comfort House at the age of 74. Joel Rene Escobar, born on July 31, 1936, in Pharr, Texas, received his early education at Donna ISD, graduating from Donna High School in 1955. Ranked third highest in his graduating class, he received numerous scholarship offers and chose North Texas State University, in Denton, Texas. He obtained his Bachelor's and Master's Degrees in Music Education, with double majors in Music and Spanish, January of '59 and August of '59, respectfully.
Inducted into Phi Mu Alpha, Alpha Chi, Blue Key and Sigma Delta, he received his greatest honor by being selected to "Who's Who in American Colleges and Universities" for the school year 1959-1960.
Joel Rene began his teaching career in 1960 at Justin F. Kimball High School at Dallas ISD, where he taught Spanish for three years. In 1963, he received a Fulbright Scholarship, (one of thirty from the US), to study Spanish History, Art & Literature at the University of Valladolid for the summer, with the studies held at Burgos, Spain. During his research, he discovered his blood relation to El Cid, the military nobleman from Spain. He later pursued his passion for genealogy and continued research on his family history.
He spent the next twenty-eight years at Deer Park High School in the Pasadena, Texas area, teaching Choral Music and Spanish I-IV. Taking early retirement in 1991, he moved to Austin, where he began working in earnest on his family history. Family matters prompted him to move back to Pharr where he enjoyed living close to his family.
Joel Rene is survived by three brothers, Romeo S. (Belia), Ricardo (Aida) Escobar, both of Pharr, Alfonso Z. (Dora) Trejo of San Antonio, Texas; two sisters, Mara Orpha Romero of Irving, Texas and Lucia Angelita Escobar of Dallas, Texas. He is further survived by nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents Jose Maria and Rev. Lucia S. Escobar; and two brothers, Jose Ruben and Jose Maria Escobar IV.
The family wishes to thank his doctors, nurses and attendants during these last few months especially Servando Chavez and Jesse Torres.
Visitation will take place from 6 to 9 pm with a 7 pm prayer service, today, February 17, 2011 at Memorial Funeral Home in San Juan. Funeral service will be held at 10 am, Friday, February 18, 2011 at the First United Methodist Church, 4200 N. McColl, McAllen, Texas. Interment will follow at Guadalupe Cemetery in Pharr where he will be laid to rest next to his beloved parents and brothers. Pallbearers will be Adrian Hernandez, Ricardo C. Escobar, Richard Balli, Ruben Escobar, Raul Garza and Eloy Gonzalez. Honorary pallbearers will be Noe C. Boghs and Ray Gonzalez.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to First United Methodist Church of McAllen Choir Department.
Funeral services are under the direction of Memorial Funeral Home in San Juan.
Sign the guest book at www.themonitor.com/obituaries
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for JOEL ESCOBAR
Peggy L Manley
February 12, 2021
Mr. Escobar taught me French in Deer Park High School. What a wonderful teacher. He really enjoyed his teaching and made it a pleasure to attend his class. He will be missed.
Debra Dunn
August 11, 2011
Mr. Escobar was a very genuine person. He cared about his students and his passion for music shown in the way he taught our choir. When I think of him, I remember his wonderful smile. Such a great loss. Debra Dunn/Deer Park/1979
Rhonda Pettit
August 7, 2011
Mr. Escobar was a great mentor and choir teacher to me. He taught me to face my fears head on! My condolences go out to the family. He was a fantastic music teacher and frend to many! Rhonda Pettit Deer Park class of 81
James Huskey
June 6, 2011
I really liked and respected this man. He was a fabulous teacher and musician. I thoroughly enjoyed having him as my choir and Spanish teacher. He did it right, with compassion and true concern for his students. I cherish his memory and I'm sad I didn't look him up and find him before he passed. I know I'm not alone with these feelings. My condolences to his family. - James Huskey, Class of 79, Deer Park High School.
May 31, 2011
my brother, buddy and i, grew up in weslaco, tx. we spent many afternoons in donna playing with joel's younger brother and sisters, jose maria (junior), mara and lucia. we respected our aunt and uncle, tio chema and tia lucia. they were great parents and held their children close to the church. i remember the neighbor kid, his name was butch and his mom owned williams bakery on the next corner of the block. we were just kids then but i will always remember joel as one of the older brothers of the family and a person of whom i still have fond memories. as i say, many years have past and many memories are yet to be shared. may the escobar family be blessed indeed.
bobby de la rosa
205 612 2501
[email protected]
audie zwahr
April 8, 2011
Mr. Escobar was one fun teacher. We had a lot of laughs with him Class of 1988. God Bless You
Audie Zwahr
Abel Ochoa
March 11, 2011
I knew Rene when he lived in Donna. I knew him because he was a younger brother of my best friend Ricardo. My sincerest condolences to his family and especially to Ricardo. Yes, I will miss him.
Abel Ochoa
March 11, 2011
I knew Joel Rene Escobar because his brother, Ricardo and I became best friends. I knew his entire family when all of them lived in Donna where I lived. I will always remember Rene and I believe that he was a classmate of my sister Ninfa Ochoa Krueger who now lives in Edinburg.
Richard Balli
March 9, 2011
I met Rene about 3 years ago at Las Porciones meeting. Since I have known Rene, I feel very privileged that I had the opportunity to help him with his last two books. He was a brilliant man and very good friend of mine. He was brilliant in early South Texas history, North Mexico history, genealogy and a great author of books. I do not know of anyone that can fill his shoes. He was very good at his work, a perfectionist and very passionate in all his works. I have lost a great friend, historian, genealogist, teacher and author on this earth and the Heaven has gain one and I am sure he will straighten them out in no time. God Bless You Rene, I dearly miss you. Rene, I did a spell check on my note for you because I know you will check it.
Irma and Manuel Cavazos
March 8, 2011
I had entered a message and forgot to put my name. It was the one about how he helped my husband and me with genealogy. He was a great person!
Laya Garcia
March 1, 2011
Senor Escobar was a wonderful teacher. I will keep him and his family in my prayers.
February 27, 2011
Joel Rene was such a dear friend to my husband and me. He was such a jovial person. His research was done to help others and it helped me in many ways. How can I say what it felt when I learned that he was ill? It was a shock because I had spoken to him on the phone a few weeks before and he didn't mention that he was ill. So much like Joel, right.
He is now in a better place but we will miss him and his great works on genealogy.
Jan Skaer
February 25, 2011
Rene was a wonderful co-worker and friend. His sense of humor gave us many laughs over the years, and he was wonderfully dedicated to his students and his school. He will live on in our hearts and memories. May God comfort you as you mourn his loss. Jan Skaer
Sharon Turner
February 24, 2011
I will always remember Mr. Escobar as a wonderful person. He was also one of my favorite teachers at DPHS. The years I spent in choir was fun & interesting because of him & I'll never forget that. May he rest in peace.
Darlia Smith-Maxwell
February 23, 2011
I will never forget the vocal exercises Mr. Escobar had us do at Deepwater Jr. High. HAHAHAHEHEHEHIHIHIHOHOHOHUHUHU,up and down the scale. If you were ever in one of his music classes, you know what I'm talking about. He was so much fun and such an inspiring teacher and will never be forgotten. My heartfelt sympathy to his loved ones.
Royce Freitag
February 22, 2011
Mr. Escobar was one of my favorite teachers at DPHS and I'll always be grateful to him for encouraging me to join choir (and then showing such patience!). He was well-respected in Deer Park and beyond and will be missed. I'm sad so to hear of his passing but I take great solace in knowing that those of us who loved Rene will sing again one day with him in perfect pitch.
Beth Whitworth McClary
February 22, 2011
I am sure Mr. Escobar has joined that heavenly choir already, where every member is right on key! His investment in the lives of so many young people will live on through each of us. I was only blessed to be mentored by him one year at Deer Park High School but will never forget him. One day we will meet again, My Friend. May God's presence comfort those that remain until then...
Elia Melendez
February 21, 2011
Beautiful memories silently kept of one that so many loved and will never forget.
Rest in Peace My Friend!
Robin Stanley Parker
February 21, 2011
Mr. Escobar taught me about music and the joy of singing. I will always have great memories of choir with this gifted teacher. God Bless his family and friends!
Heidi Torno White DPHS '74
February 21, 2011
I had the pleasure of being in the choir with Mr. Escobar for two years of high school. I will always remember the fun and hard work of the wonderful musicals he would put on. He taught us how to have dignity and grace in everyday life. He made an impact on many lives and will be missed.
Marcum Greenwood
February 21, 2011
Rene and I graduated from Donna High School together. Over the years he has been our class agent and kept up with everybody. He was everyone's friend and a true gentleman. We will miss him.
February 20, 2011
We knew Rene for many years. He was our choir director at Deer Park UMC and a fellow teacher at DPISD. Rene was a wonderful man, a talented educator and choir director and a true friend. We never knew anyone who did not like Rene. He touched the lives of everyone who knew him.
Steve and Pattye Glenn, Stephen and Stacy
Clara Ferguson-Mattox
February 20, 2011
Rene Escobar was truly one of the most important people in my life. I was blessed to have had him as a choir teacher, friend and fellow church choir member in Deer Park from 1974 until 1977. With a somewhat rocky home life, I can remember one of my guiding thoughts being, "what would Esco' think", before I did things. He was a huge influence and to this day remains my biggest hero.
My prayers are with his family and I know we've all gained one more angel to watch over us. I love you Esco!
Susan Wasmuth-Tomson
February 20, 2011
Sr. Escobar was an inspiration to me. He made Spanish and speaking it exciting. I majored in Spanish,was an exchange student and used it in my career. I will cherish fond memories of him.
Jane Theiler
February 19, 2011
Mr Escobar was never one of my teachers, but I remember his smiling face around Deer Park High School--
February 19, 2011
Mr. Escobar was my first French Teacher at Deer Park High School. Such an inspiration to me. He was one of the best teachers I ever had.
Amy DeLoach
February 19, 2011
Nada de oro se queda. Senor Escobar was an inspiration to me. He had a way of keeping the students interested in Spanish. He was also a friend. He will never be forgotten.
Dodie Toups
February 19, 2011
Mr. Escobar was my Spanish teacher for spanish III - V at Deer Park. His zest for life and his passion for teaching will always be with me throughout my own teaching career. I feel blessed for having known him and having had him as a teacher. He leaves a big hole in the middle of many hearts. It is comforting to know that he is singing among the angels and watching over all of us now. I pray for his family and friends that they find peace in his passing on to the next level of existence. He will be waiting with open arms for that day when we meet him at the Gates of Heaven. God rest and comfort his soul.
Angela Shingleton
February 18, 2011
Senor Escobar was my Spanish teacher and one of my all time favorites. He was an incredibly gifted, encouraging and wonderful teacher. I remember the patience that he had with my class as we were a very social group. He had a huge impact on so many young lives. My condolences and prayers go out to his family at this time.
Shelley Brantley Myers
February 18, 2011
Mr. Escobar was my Spanish teacher at DPHS in 1984. His class was always fun and he made learning interesting. I'm saddened to hear of his passing. I know he will be missed.
Hope Green Henry
February 18, 2011
Mr. Escobar was my girl's choir director back in 1970. He was very patient with a room full of teenage girls...
Brenda Wilson-Nowicke
February 18, 2011
Mr. Escobar was my Spanish III teacher in 1968-69. His class was one of a select few I could honestly say I looked forward to every day. He made learning fun and was a great teacher.
February 18, 2011
It was an honor and a privilege to have been on the faculty at Deer Park High School with Rene. Always the gentleman, Rene managed to have a twinkle in his eye and a wry sense of humor that endeared him to all of us. A master teacher dedicated to his craft and his students, he was both loved and respected by them. He was just as serious about his music as he was about his Spanish and demanded the very best from his students. How can I ever forget his directing the faculty "choir" as we endeavored to sing for the Faculty Christmas Breakfast. He was so exasperated with us because we were certainly less than professional. He tolerated us and was more than a bit surprised when we actually did sing on key at the performance.
I am truly saddened to hear of his passing. He made a difference in the lives of students as well as those of us who knew and loved him.
Deane Greer
Paula Sparks
February 18, 2011
I was a choir student of Mr. Escobar's during the 1970s at Deer Park. He was certainly loved by all and made those years some happy memories for us all. I remember how his high expectations pushed us to do things we would have never tried on our own. My sincere condolences to his family.
Evelyn Emrick
February 18, 2011
Rene would come to Sofie's often, to have a few beers, and chat with my Dad, Travis Mann, my sons, Lance & Adam Emrick, and me, Evelyn. He was a very nice man, with a great since of humor. We will miss his smiling face.
Donna Binion
February 18, 2011
My thoughts and prayers to his family and friends. Senor Escobar was a wonderful (and patient!) teacher. He was my Spanish teacher at Deer Park High School. At our 20 year class reunion we shared pictures and fond memories of his class. He was truly a treasure.
Betty Von-Maszewski
February 18, 2011
Rene Escobar leaves a legacy of excellence and caring. With an impish humor he demanded the best of his students.(Who can forget the musicals like The Sound of Music?) He made himself achieve until the little boy who was punished for speaking Spanish(his only language) in the first grade became the first Hispanic class president at his high school and an outstanding college student. He was goal-oriented, but delighted in the successes of his students and friends. And what fun we used to have in the teacher's lounge!
He truly made the world a better place because he was here.
Dios contigo, amigo.
Darla Haygood Thomas
February 18, 2011
My prayers and thoughts go out to his family and friends. He was such a wonderful teacher. I had him for 2 years at Deer Park HIgh School many years ago and will never, ever forget him. RIP Mr. E - I can hear your beautiful voice now ... (DPHS '77)
Connie Leonard Pepin
February 18, 2011
What a blessing to have received instruction from such a genuine and kind teacher. My memories of Mr. Escobar are fond (especially his laugh ... such a joy to recall) and my life is richer for having known him.
Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.
February 18, 2011
Sorry to hear of Rene's passing. We had many good times together through DPUMC and when he was the choir director at DPHS. We did enjoy a great visit by phone, just a couple of years ago. Connie Townsend Hunt, TX
Illana bat Reuben
February 18, 2011
Yo te amo para siempre.
Illana
Susan Oliphant
February 18, 2011
I am so sorry to hear of Mr. Escobar's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with all of his family and friends. He will be greatly missed by many.
I had Mr. Escobar for a Spanish class and Choir at Deer Park High School. His manner of teaching was inspiring. He was a great teacher and someone you could talk to whenever needed. He was always there for you, with his kind smile and caring ways. He made each student feel special and cared for. Mr. Escobar was the type of person and teacher who would give you his "all". I'm sure he is singing with the angels in Heaven. God Bless To All.
I have thought of him many times through the years and will never forget him being one of my favorite teachers in High School.
Karleen Koen
February 18, 2011
He was my favorite teacher and a wonderful person...
Melinda Ryan
February 18, 2011
I know all his students would agree with me that he was one of the best and most liked teachers there were. I had in for Choir in 1968-69.
Cheryl Colson
February 18, 2011
I always wondered how Mr. Escobar was after graduating in 1977. He was one of my fondest memories of High School. He gave me the appreciation of singing that I've carried with me my whole life. I share in everyone's sympathies and know he's laughing that wonderful laugh up there!
Karen Emanuel
February 18, 2011
Mr. Escobar will be remembered in laughter and love. He made learning spanish fun and not just another class. My prayers are with his friends and family, because they are going to truly miss such a kind man. Peace be with you, Mr. Escobar. Love Karen "Tortuga" Tholen Emanuel
Robbie Bottorff
February 17, 2011
Mr Escobar was one of my favorite teachers. He genuinely cared about his students, as individuals and not just part of his day to day job. If you had Mr. Escobar, as your teacher then he touched your life forever. I was blessed to have him, as my Spanish teacher for three years, he was also the leader of our Spanish Club. To this day, I have a card that he gave me when my daughter was born 31 yrs ago. He was the only teacher that that made me feel that no matter what I did in life that I was special. The truth is, he was the one who was extrodinarily special and we were blessed to have such a caring teacher in our lives. God be with and bless his family in the coming days. Rene Escobar was a blessing to us for many.
Terri Trahan-Kent
February 17, 2011
Mr. Escobar was my choir teach at Deer Park High School. He was a GREAT teacher who truly cared for the students he taught. He will be missed , but I can only imagine the beautiful choir of angels he is listening to now. "Well done good and faithful servant."
Olga Elizondo Lea
February 17, 2011
To the Escobar family: My sincere condolences in the passing of your brother. Even though I moved away many years ago,my family has always kept me abreast of your lovely family and we all mourn his loss.
February 17, 2011
I had Mr. Escobar in High School for choir. He always had a smile for you and was so generous with his students. He will be missed.
Roslyn Wells Cacciotti
Barbara Lamberth
February 17, 2011
I was a member of the class of 1956 at Donna High School and participated in both band and choir and thus knew Rene well. He was a wonderful musician and obviously a gifted and inspiring teacher. No educator could wish for more than the heartfelt tributes of so many of his former students. In high school he was probably the pre-eminent leader during the fifties. Everyone loved and admired him for his friendly and open manner, for his academic ability, but most of all for his music and what he gave to the school through his music. My sincerest sympathies to his family.
Susan Magee
February 17, 2011
I could never forget Mr. Escobar, my choir teacher at Deer Park HS. He was an exceptional teacher and kind man. My sincere condolences to his family.
February 17, 2011
Mr. Escobar was one of the teachers that I most remember as a youth. I was in his choir class for three years at Deer Park High School (Class of 1971). He was fun, energetic and respected. I offer my most sincere condolences to his family in this difficult time. Anne Smith
Maria Hopkins
February 17, 2011
When words become meaningless, please know you are in my prayers & may the God of all comfort bring peace to your familly.
Maria Hopkins
February 17, 2011
Our most sincere condolences and prayers for the Escobar family. Joel was a superb person and will be dearly missed. He is in a better place.
Mr. and Mrs. (Marianela)Tom Longoria
Kathy Derryberry (Longhofer)
February 17, 2011
Rene was the older brother of Joe, who was a 1959 classmate of mine at Donna High School.
I remember Rene as an outstanding leader at D. H. S. He served the Donna High School student body as their president his senior year.
Rene influenced his class as well as all underclassman with the qualities of: leadership, integrity, honesty,
ethics and his intense desire to learn.
Rene will be missed by all who crossed
paths with him.
May God grant his family and countless
friends peace during this difficult time.
Mrs. Bob Derryberry (Kathy Longhofer)
Class of 1959 Donna High School
Madeleine Holt Longworth
February 17, 2011
Mr. Escobar made learning fun. I remember him as always having a smile and always interested in his students.
Marvell Benner
February 17, 2011
Mr Escobar was my Spanish teacher at Deer Park High School. He inspired me to always do better. He was a wonderful person and cared for his students. He will be greatly missed. We have lost a wonderful and caring person.
Yoyo and Isa Izaguirre
February 17, 2011
Romeo, Richard, Aida, Alfonso, Mara, and Lita, please accept our sincerest condolences on the loss of your Dear Brother. Being Christians, we realize that Joel Rene is "Home", now. You are in our thoughts and in our Prayers. May GOD BLESS YOU!!! Joel Rene, Rest In PEACE!!! "Yea, though I walk down the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, FOR THOU ART WITH ME..."
Mr.& Mrs.Don R. Curl
February 17, 2011
I cannot remember a time when Rene was not a great friend and companion. Thanks be to God for his cheerfulness and leadership in school gov't., band, choir and in general. A great cooperator as well as a great competitor.
Happy times with Rene for us:
Tuts Washburn Curl DHS '56, NTSU '60
Don R. Curl Region & State Bands, NTSU '60
Stacey Holland Dyer
February 17, 2011
Rene was a class act! I had the pleasure of singing for him at DPHS, teaching with him after college and enjoyed the friendship he had with my family. He always challenged his students to strive for excellence and when we reached it, he was our biggest fan. I loved his dry wit, charming personality, and smile. He will be missed greatly.
Stacey Holland Dyer
Class of '74
Martha Woodard Bragg
February 17, 2011
Mr. Escobar was an inspirational teacher and mentor to me. Having him as choir director at Deer Park H.S. were some of my best memories. A true gentleman, educator and friend with a great personality and sense of humor.
Debbie Reno
February 17, 2011
I'm one of the many students Mr. Escobar taught at Deer Park High School. He was a fun Choir teacher and we all loved HIM and his classes. He will be greatly missed, but remembered fondly forever.
Alfredo Gutierrez
February 17, 2011
In behalf of the Villa San Agustin de Laredo Genealogical Society we send our deepest condolences to all the family. We will always keep Joel Rene in our thoughts and prayers. He was a trailblazer for all those doing genealogy. May He Rest In Peace and until we see you again.
Alfredo and Elisa Gutierrez
and VSALGS
Walter Smith
February 17, 2011
I have fond memories of Rene form our years together in the Donna HS band. He was a superb french horn player & a great friend with a passion for excellence.
February 17, 2011
I knew Rene from our years of teaching together at Deer Park High School. He was a great guy, one of the true gentlemen. We really missed him when he retired.
Judy Kellow
Houston, Texas
Jay Lynn Phillips-Hammes
February 17, 2011
I can never express how grateful I am to have had Mr Excobar as my choir teacher for 4 wonderful years. Thank you for teaching me to reach my potential and for teaching me that dedication and hard work always pay off. We will sorely miss and you here on earth but our love and respect for you will carry on. May the Angels sing loud and clear for you Mr Escobar!
Yolanda Kirkpatrick
February 17, 2011
Mr. Rene Escobar was a good friend and member of Los Bexarenos. He brought us closer to each other as he dedicated his work to our genealogy.
Es cierto que todos son primos e hijos de Dios.
-Yolanda Kirkpatrick
O Lord,
Support us
All the day long,
Until the shadows lengthen,
And the evening comes.
And the busy world is hushed,
And the fever of life is over,
And our work is done.
Then in your mercy,
Grant us
A safe lodging, and a holy rest,
And peace at the last.
Amen
(from the Book of Common Prayer)
Michelle Woods
February 17, 2011
Mr. Escobar was my Spanish teacher my freshman and sophomore year at Deer Park North Campus from 1985-1987. I remember he used to call me and my two best friends Penny Cook and Claudia Gonzalez "Las Tres Malas!". He would send us out in the hall all the time and separate us, but I think he did it so we could sit outside class and chat! It was always "Senorita Munguia, menos diez!!". He was my favorite teacher and I will miss him so. Now he's in heaven telling Penny "Menos diez Señorita Cook!"
Mala Número UNO
Michelle Munguia Woods- Class of 89
February 17, 2011
I always admired his dedication to and passion for genealogy. He was truly respected and admired by those who knew him. We have lost a true scholar of the familial linkages which unite so many of us in South Texas and Mexico.
Que En Paz Descanse
Amancio J. Chapa, Jr. La Joya, TX
Joyce Stobaugh Hanchett
February 17, 2011
I have many fond memories of church choir and school activities with Rene. He was a gentle man with a sense of humor that made him fun to be around. He was a dedicated and influential teacher who impacted many lives through the years. He will be missed but our memories of him and his impact on our lives will live on.
February 17, 2011
We are all better people for knowing Mr. Escobar. He made a great impact on so many lives. I thank God for men like Mr. Escobar who helped mold me... and at times he had to "mold" pretty strong. We will miss his laugh...the same authentic laugh he had through his entire life.
Anthony Gibson
Don and Liz Edwards
February 17, 2011
We had the pleasure of knowing Rene in church, singing along with him in choir, working with him in education, and having him and some of his family as good friends. Rene will truly be missed.
Karen Lewis Dalton '80
February 17, 2011
I was blessed to have Mr. Escobar for both music and Spanish. He made learning fun. Thanks to him, I was able to CLEP out of my first semester of Spanish at The University of Texas. The world will miss his presence, but he will never be forgotten...
February 17, 2011
I was very fortunate to have Mr. Escobar as my choral teacher for 2 years. I helped out in a second class playing the piano. He was extremely patient with me as I had never accompanied anyone before. He is one of the most gracious men I have ever known. His compassion made an impact on my life. Judith Lewis Shore, Deer Park, Texas
Traci Sanders Goodwin '83
February 17, 2011
Mr. Escobar was a fabulous teacher, mentor and friend to all of his students. His sense of humor made his Spanish class fun. I still remember so much about his class, the nicknames he gave all of his students, and how he kept us laughing while we learned.
February 17, 2011
What can you say about a man who had such a profound impact on the lives of so many young people? Mr. Escobar had such a passion for what he did and such a love for his students and it was reflected every day as he led us in Choir. When he selected me to be in his Madrigal choir, it was truly one of the high points of my young life because I felt I had been selected by the best. It was an honor to know him and my life and the lives of so many others were blessed beyond measure by knowing this fine educator. He is now singing in God's heavenly chorus! Thanks Mr. Escobar.
Beth Chalfant Skinner, DPHS '72
February 17, 2011
Mr. Escobar was my Spanish and Choir Teacher. He was a great teacher and great gentleman to all of us at Deer Park High School. His leadership throughout my school years was well respected. He will be truly missed and kept in our hearts forever.
Glenn Cummins
Class of 1969
February 17, 2011
We have many fond memories of Rene . We knew him through Deer Park United Methodist Church and Deer Park High School.
Gary and Mary Jane Gibson
February 17, 2011
February 17,2011
I'm deeply saddened of Rene passing, I
pray for comfort to the family. He will be missed much from all the Genealogy friends of Texas. He was a great friend.
Corina Balli-Castruita, Allen,TX.
David Blassingame
February 17, 2011
Truly one of the most beloved teachers any of us ever had at Deer Park High School. Being in his choir was truly a wonderful experience.
February 17, 2011
I was a member of the choir with Rene for many years at FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH. I met some of the family at the home when I met your father before he passed. My thoughts are with all of you.
Pat Mills
Danny Gonzales
February 17, 2011
Mr. Escobar, (Esco) was a great choir director and person. I am grateful to have been a part of his choirs at Deer Park High School. He taught me many things about music, which I still remember to this day. Thank you!
Jo Ann Watkins
February 17, 2011
René, I will certainly miss you, your beautiful voice, and your caring personality. We met when we both sang with the McFirst Praise Team. And you were the guest speaker in my Spanish classes when you explained your connection to El Cid from Spain. You were such an interesting and talented man. I feel privileged to have known you.
February 16, 2011
Mr. Escobar was not one of my favorite teachers, he WAS my favorite teacher. He influenced my career path and taught me the love of music. Whether it was in the choir room, staging our musicals, directing our church choir or just having coffee at Ken's, he was always caring, available and funny! I know he will be missed by all.
Margaret Johnson Dickey '75
Dixie Stansel Johnson
February 16, 2011
Mr. Escobar was one of those teachers that you would never forget. It makes me laugh to think back at how he teased me about my East Texas accent in Spanish class. I am deeply saddened by his passing and pray for comfort for his family.
Debbie Mills Williams
February 16, 2011
Mr. Escobar was my choir teacher at Deer Park in the '70's. I still recall & use what he taught me about music today. Thank you Mr. Escobar for your love of music and your students.
Brenda Lehman-Soto
February 16, 2011
Mr. Escobar was an amazing teacher and person. I will always remember him and his smile, but I just know he is singing and smiling in heaven. God Bless him and his family. He touched everyone's heart.
Marc Daniel
February 16, 2011
Rene' was a patient and talented teacher, with a wonderful sense of humor - he is well-remembered by legions of Deer Park High students and choir members.
Joellen Newman Tipton
February 16, 2011
Mr. Escobar was one of my all-time favorite teachers - I had him 3 years for Choir and 2 years for Spanish. i have such fond memories and am saddened by his death. My prayers go out to his family in this time of sorrow.
Debra Finley
February 16, 2011
Mr. Escobar was the greatest music teacher a young person could ever have. He was a great teacher, a wonderful encourager, and a wonderful person. He will be greatly missed.
Showing 1 - 92 of 92 results
Make a Donation
in JOEL ESCOBAR's name
Memorial Events
for JOEL ESCOBAR
Funeral services provided by:
Memorial Funeral Home - San Juan311 East Expressway 83, San Juan, TX 78589
How to support JOEL's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor JOEL ESCOBAR's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
