Johnny Rios, Sr.

Johnny was born on February 13, 1941, in San Antonio, Texas, to Rita Garcia and Armando Rios. He was raised in Baytown, Texas, where he and his wife, Esther Tameyoza Rios, created a loving family for generations to come. Married on October 16, 1965, Johnny and Esther shared nearly 61 years together and made faith their foundation. Parishioners of St. Joseph Catholic Church and Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, they sent their four children to St. Joseph Catholic School. Johnny loved God deeply, and never missed an opportunity to teach his grandchildren about Christianity, a strong work ethic, being kind and generous, and love of country as a proud and patriotic American.

As a young Baytonian, he was known for his infectious smile, earning him the nickname "CheeRIOS” while attending Robert E. Lee High School. A proud member of the Class of 1960, he played football on the Ganders' legendary "Suicide Squad" and was an active member of the Woodworking Club. Throughout his youth, he established lifelong friendships in his close-knit neighborhood called "La Isla" (The Island)—a community proudly named because it felt beautifully isolated from the rest of the world at that time.

Professionally, Johnny followed his brother, Mando Rios, who was based in Nebraska with the U.S. Air Force, and briefly attended the University of Nebraska with intentions to study Accounting. However, God had a different plan, and Johnny returned home to Baytown. His appreciation for produce led him to work at the local grocery store before he transitioned into the oil and gas industry where his hard work provided deeply for the family. Johnny went on to dedicate his career by starting as plant operator for Ashland Chemical and eventually retiring from the Shell Refinery in Deer Park, Texas, as a Resins Supervisor.

Before marrying Esther, he proudly purchased his first home in Wooster, Texas, and then later found their forever home on Black Duck Bay. Overlooking a beautiful view of the Fred Hartman Bridge, this home became a sanctuary filled with treasured memories and remains the central gathering place for all of the family's special milestones.

An entrepreneur at heart, Johnny also owned the commercial building Vel Rio Hall, now affectionately known as “The Shop,” which serves as the home for his son Mark’s business, Anthony’s Automotive. It was behind The Shop that Johnny introduced his sons to the sacred art of smoked meats. From his custom pit, there were rows of Thanksgiving turkeys each year, and countless meals to support benefits, fundraisers, weddings, and funerals, feeding his community with a generous heart.

Johnny was an avid sports fan and loved college football, especially The University of Texas and Notre Dame, along with the Houston Astros, the Dallas Cowboys, and Bebe Garcia’s fast-pitched softball team called the Baytown Hawks. Also nicknamed “Johnny Coushatta,” he enjoyed casino trips, golf outings, discussing current events, and meeting his childhood friends for their regular Saturday morning gatherings called the "Breakfast Club." Those closest to Johnny will never forget the endearing traits that made him unmistakably himself: his signature phone greeting, "MmmYellow!" along with his quick jokes, and the steady, common-sense advice. He liked witnessing a history-making game, but most of all calling his family and friends just to check-in.

The family extends its heartfelt gratitude to Heritage Hospice for its exceptional care and support, and to Johnny’s daughter, Michelle, for the unwavering love, devotion, and compassionate care she gave her father and continues to provide her mother.

Johnny is survived by his beloved wife, Esther Rios; his children, Lisa and Guy Klepser, Johnny Rios Jr. and Annette DePalma, Mark and Misty Rios, and Michelle Rios; his niece, Emily Rios Sanchez. He was “Pa-Paw” to his grandchildren, Alexandra and Tyler Shoaf, Jack and Jensen Pena, Natalie Rios and fiancé Nick Salinas, Madison Rios, Mark Rios, Allysa Flores, Jordan Flores, and Adrienne Oviedo; his great-grandchildren, Charlotte Shoaf, Noah Salinas, and James Robert Pena; his brother, Jose Rios, and many extended family members and friends who loved him dearly.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Armando and Rita Rios; his brothers, Guadalupe, Armando, and Jesse Rios; his sisters, Lilly, Brigida, and Linda Rios; his son-in-law, Joseph Robert Pena; and his great-nephew, Steven Perez.

Services Schedule

· Visitation & Rosary: Thursday, August 13, 2026, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Earthman Baytown Funeral Home (3919 Garth Road, Baytown, TX 77521). Officiated by Deacon George Rincon, the Vigil and Holy Rosary will begin at 6:00 PM.

· Mass of Christian Burial: Friday, August 14, 2026, at 11:00 AM at St. Joseph Catholic Church—Family Life Center (1907 Carolina Street, Baytown, TX 77520), celebrated by Rev. Thuc Nguyen.

· Interment: Earthman Memory Gardens Cemetery (8624 Garth Road, Baytown, TX 77521).

· Reception: To follow immediately after burial at The Baytown Boat Club (1600 Clear Lake Road, Highlands, TX 77562).