Rafael Romo Jr.

He is preceded in death by his mother, Maria Romo and father, Rafael Romo Sr.; his brother, Ruben Romo; and his cousin, Sonia Gonzalez.

Rafael leaves his family to cherish his wife of 25 years, Maribel Espino, and his children Nicholas R. Romo (Josie), Jacob B. Romo, Samantha M. Romo, Cassandra Romo, Jeremy Romo, Sabrina Romo, Tiffany Price, and Derek Aguilar. His beloved fur babies are Coco and Rocky Romo. Grandchildren Mackena Romo, Elliot Romo, and Jameson Romo. Nephew Ruben Romo Jr. (Ruben III, Ryan, and Rya) Nieces Aissia Flores, Chrissiana Villarreal

He was 1 of 3 children Ruben Romo Sr. (deceased) and Rolando Romo, who grew up in Raymondville, Tx. Our father was a hardworking man from the very beginning. He left school to work and help support his family. He always enjoyed spending time with family and going fishing, loved being outdoors, and loved being the life of the party, making jokes, etc. He was always a happy soul who loved reading the Bible and journaling and watching tv and BBQing with family. He served in the Army as a sharpshooter in 1984. After serving in the Army as a sharpshooter, he continued his career in construction before pursuing his lifelong passion, truck driving. Our dad was always a hard-working man. Our father loved his family enough that we would spend a majority of the time being raised on the road with him truck driving. We spent countless hours waiting on him, engaging in endless conversations with others. Our dad loved working long hours, spending sleepless nights doing what he loved the most: driving! Our dad loved to tell stories with anyone he would encounter. He was very well known among so many people. He loved to spend time with his childhood best friend Ricky Duhon on his boat and with family as well. He loved to fish, go shooting, and spend lots of time with family and at family gatherings. He loved playing baseball in his younger years with his father as his coach. His favorite place to eat was Las Cazuelas in Harlingen, where the ladies knew his name and order by heart. His favorite artists were Johnny Cash and Kid Rock, with his favorite song being Picture by Kid Rock. Our dad would often sit in the living room serenading us with various love songs and, of course, his shows like Duck Dynasty, Pawn Stars, etc. Our dad was a very religious Christian man who often spent his time reading the Bible. Our dad's passion for truck driving ended after almost 20 years due to aging. Where then his oldest son, Nicholas, began his career following in his father's footsteps as a truck driver. His son Jacob, who would copilot with him chasing windmill blades on the road for years, who also plans to follow in his father's footsteps as well as truck driving. Later on his youngest daughter, Samantha, would enlist in the Air Force right out of high school. Our dad was very proud of his children and their accomplishments. He then began to battle long and hard with heart failure. Doctors would say his persistence is why he lived as long as he did. After a long, hard battle, Dad ended his journey at home, taking his last breaths in the arms of his son Jacob.

We thank our relatives and family friends from near and far for always thinking of our father. "Jr./Romo," how some would call to check up on him. We carry on with the courage and strength our father gave us and continue on with pride in the family name Romo! It’s okay, Daddy, be with Grandma, Grandpa, and Tio! We will miss you dearly, Dad! He taught us that nothing is easy and we must start from the beginning, but even when we fail, we persevere. No regrets! We love you always, and one day we’ll all be together again.

Services are under the guidance of Heavenly Grace Funeral Home & Crematory and Heavenly Grace Memorial Park. A Dignity Memorial provider. Services are under the direction of Daniel Roberto Gomez, Julissa Maldonado, FD, and Crispin Garza, FD&E.