Born on March 13, 1932, in Brownsville Texas to Simon and Florinda Rios
Antonio (Tony) was raised in a humble home with his Parents and 8 brothers.
Joined the Army and He proudly served his country from 1950-1954
Antonio (Tony) built a career from 1951 to 1995(4yrs Army) with Immigration and Naturalization Service Border Patrol. .
Antonio married Irma Ramirez the love of his life on Dec 16, 1959
And they raised 1 daughter and 2 sons. The loss of their 2 sons was heartbreaking for mom and dad.
When I, Belinda saw that Dad could no longer care for mom I moved them to Corpus Christi with me and my children. They so missed their friends and neighbors but understood that I would take care of their needs. Dad was heartbroken when Momma died on June 12, 2024.
He prayed to God that he wanted to join Momma and his sons in heaven.
Last week Dad told me he had presented his plan to God it was approved and now in motion. He said his mind was strong but his body was not and this was not quality of life for him. I feel in my heart that they are now together. Dad was such a strong man and had great memory and loved to talk to friends and family and give advice.
Although we will miss him so much we have comfort knowing that he is pain free and with our family.
Antonio is survived by his daughter, Belinda Cortez (Ernesto Riley Garcia), and his grandchildren: Adrian Velasco (Siobhan), Amanda Martin, Mark Rodriguez (Diana), Toni Marie Zuniga, Alyssa Cortez, Daniel Rios, and Anthony Cortez. His great-grandchildren include Danika Velasco, Jarett Velasco, Jayde Lewis, Keiran Velasco, Liam Velasco, Sofia Rodriguez, Amelia Rodriguez, David Rios III, Damien Rios, Liliana Rodriguez, Royalt Dawson, and Mark Anthony II.
He is also survived by his brothers, Ernesto Rios (Patty), Salvador Rios, Guadalupe Rios, Benito Rios (Janie), and Juan Rios (Gracie). Antonio was predeceased by his wife, Irma Rios, his sons, Mark Anthony Rios and David Saul Rios, his parents, Simon Rios and Florinda Rios, and his brothers, Teofilo Rios and Isidoro Rios.
Pallbearers for the services will be Adrian Velasco, Anthony Cortez, Jarett Velasco, Keiran Velasco, Mark Anthony Rodriguez, and Reynaldo Rios.
A visitation will be held at Funeraria Del Angel Buena Vista, Chapel Of Angels, located at 125 Mcdavitt Blvd, Brownsville, TX 78521, on December 6, 2025, from 2:00 pm to 9:00 pm. A prayer service will take place at the same location on December 6, 2025, at 7:00 pm. The chapel service will be held on December 7, 2025, at 10:00 am, followed by the burial at Buena Vista Burial Park, 5 Mcdavitt Blvd, Brownsville, TX 78521, at 11:00 am.
