Bakersfield Felix (Sonny) was born to Estefana and Felix Esquivel 77 years ago and died November 2023 in Santa Barbara. He was big brother to his sister Evangelina. He graduated from Our Lady of Guadalupe school, Bakersfield High School and Bakersfield College before entering the military.
He served as a member of the Air Force military police and later fought in Vietnam. He was so proud to serve his country. Thankfully, he returned home safely and began a career and a family. Later in life, he volunteered his time with the local veterans association and was grateful to attend Honor Flight Kern County.
He worked in commercial construction and surveying throughout his professional career. He was proud to help develop many large-scale distribution centers, industrial complexes, and commercial projects throughout California and other western states with Baymarr Constructors.
He is survived by the love of his life and wife of 50+ years, Rose Mary, daughter Jennifer, son-in-law JJ, grandchildren Jackson, Christian, and Ensley, nephews Paul and Javier, nieces, Teresa and Gloria, brother-in-law Larry, sister-in-law Peggy, and many cousins from the Gonzales and Esquivel families.
He loved fast cars, car races, 60's and 70's rock-n-roll, and classic country music. He was a talented artist and spent his life reading and learning about architecture and history. Above all, he valued spending time with and taking care of his family. He enjoyed sharing holidays and birthday celebrations with his extended family--the Bushes, Elliotts, and Buckeys. He always looked forward to his second Saturday breakfast with friends and cousins. He cherished his daughter and grandchildren and regularly attended all their activities. He continually imparted his knowledge of math and science, love of country, lessons learned, and wisdom gained to all of them. He was the ultimate teacher and protector.
A rosary and visitation will be held at the Hillcrest Memorial Park Chapel on December 19, 2023 at 5pm. Funeral services will be held on December 20, 2023 at 10am at Hillcrest, followed by a 12:30pm ceremony at the Bakersfield National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to any charitable organization benefiting U.S. veterans or the American Cancer Society.
