Rafael R. Palafox

Rafael graduated from MacArthur High School in 1976. He met Ethel and married on May 19, 1982. Rafael a printer by trade started his Latino Community Outreach Journey as a member of NALEO Educational Fund retiring after 27 years. Rafael joined NALEO Educational Fund Houston office in February 1995, where he dedicated his time almost exclusively to U.S. naturalization application assistance. He was loyal to the organization and its mission and his commitment to the Latino Community in and around Harris County, Texas. Helping however he could in his work capacities, going above and beyond his job title to help how he could. Loving, caring and supporting his family. He enjoyed life and loved making simple thoughtful memories worth looking back and smiling about. His pragmatic nature served us all well. His excel worksheets have a special spot in all of our hearts. If defining a man’s worth in life are all the positive, heartfelt ways someone has touched other people’s lives, Rafael was the jefe of our family, mayor of our community. I’d vote for him for president. You will be truly missed Mr. NALEO.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Oscar and Tomasa Palafox; brother, Adrian Chapa; grandmother, Tomasa Garcia Palafox; son-in-law, Anthony Prado Jr.; uncles, Moises Chapa, and Miguel Palafox; and aunt, Maria Elena Chapa.

Rafael is survived by his wife, Ethel Margarita Palafox; daughters, Ethel Wendolin Bare (Nolin Timothy Bare), Samantha Margarita Palafox Prado, Beverly Zuleyca Le (Eric Clayton Le); grandchildren, Jorge Jeremiah Mendoza, Matthew Ethan Mendoza, Anthony Prado III, Sophia Margarita Padro, Athena Xenia Le, Persephone Zuleyka Le, and Calliope Margarita Le; brothers, Amos Chapa, Daniel Chapa (Nancy Chapa), Ruben Chapa (Carmen Chapa), and Omar Chapa; sister-in-law, Alba Griselda Ayala. As well as many other family and friends.

Serving as pallbearers are Adrian Evan Chapa, Ruben Chapa, Omar Chapa, Jorge Jeremiah Mendoza, Mathew Ethan Mendoza and Anthony Prado III.

Special thanks to Amos Chapa, Daniel Chapa, Ruben Chapa, Omar Chapa, Justin Chapa, and Alba Ayala. To NALEO, friends and coworkers, as well as all who will join us in remembering Rafael life.

A visitation for Rafael will be held Sunday, February 18, 2024 from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM at Brookside Funeral Home, 13747 Eastex Freeway, Houston, TX 77039. A funeral service will occur Monday, February 19, 2024 from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM, 13747 Eastex Freeway, Houston, TX 77039. A graveside service will occur Monday, February 19, 2024 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM, 13747 Eastex Freeway, Houston, TX 77039.