Luis Javier Esparza

Grapevine- Luis Javier Esparza Martinez, 74, of Grapevine, passed away July 24, 2022, peacefully in his home. He was born in Mexico to parents Guadalupe and Miguel. He was a beloved father and grandfather, affectionately called “Papa Lou,” and a devoted love.

Luis was a family man with a great sense of humor and pride. He was hard-working and honorable. He was a dedicated man who had a special relationship with each person he loved. Luis was a resourceful man, having many skills, including being a master chef and griller. As a young man, he learned the trade of jewelry-making before coming to the United States. Making Texas his forever home, he earned his living in construction and began his company, Esparza Drywall. He went on to build apartments throughout Dallas and became a facilities engineer. He could fix just about anything with a few tools and enjoyed learning new skills along the way. Luis became an all-around handyman, even becoming a certified locksmith. He would later transition to work for DISD as a crossing guard and eventually become a PE Assistant/Crossing Guard for Carroll ISD. Luis, known as “Mr. Esparza”, became a buddy to the many elementary students he safely guarded every day, until he retired in 2020. Even after retirement, Luis continued to find ways to be self-taught in various crafts. Just as much as he worked hard, he found ways to truly enjoy retirement. He began gardening and leaves behind a garden of love with an array of plants and fruit trees he germinated himself. Additionally, he took on the hobby of pottery making. Luis created beautiful, colorful, and unique pottery pieces that his children and family will continue to cherish. He loved sharing his talents with his children and grandchildren. He most recently started a new project of learning the technique of wood working. His accomplishments and skills were a great part of his success, but his family was the center of his life.

Luis is the loving father of Irma Esparza Diggs, her husband Kenny and their daughter Kennedy, of Washington, DC; LeAndra Grace Palomo, her husband Rudy and their children Rudy III, Sophia and Noah, of Roanoke, TX; Luis Esparza Jr, his wife Alexa, of Vandenberg SFB, CA; Iliana Ruby Esparza of Grapevine; Gregorio Medrano III, his wife Elizabeth Chavez, of Grapevine; and to Ashley Monica Butler, her husband Floyd, of Ft. Worth. For decades, Luis had a loving and devoted partner, Ruby Zavala. They made a great home together that was the central headquarters for family gatherings. Luis is survived by his siblings: Gustavo Esparza, his wife Lucy; Elva Rosa Esparza Estrada, her husband Ramon; and Ruben Esparza Martinez. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents and siblings Raul Esparza Martinez, David Esparza Martinez, Jose Abel Guadalupe Esparza Martinez, Abigail Esparza Martinez and Manuel Esparza Martinez.

Luis leaves a legacy of a man who truly loved his family through words and actions. He made sure that each of his children always felt special. Whether it was barbecuing a birthday dinner or making his family's favorite holiday meal of pozole and menudo, Luis had an art for cooking and put lots of love into each recipe. Even after his passing, his family was able to enjoy his very last salsa batch in his memory. Luis could be found spending time outdoors fishing, camping, and gardening as some of his favorite past times. Whether it's sitting around joking with his grandkids, walking around with his favorite drink, a Topo Chico, holding meaningful conversations at the dining table with his family, or just making silly faces in every family photo, his family will hold on dearly to every memory of Luis. A funeral Mass will be held Friday, August, 5th at St. Francis of Assisi of Grapevine, TX.