Raul L Blanco

Raul was a devoted family man. He was married for 46 years to the love of his life, Irene, who predeceased him. They had four children: Patricia, Elizabeth, Raymond (Pam) and Leo (Anjie) and many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and Godchildren. Family was always first, his immediate and extended. He loved them all.

Born to Abel and Eva, he was the eldest of 6 children and made his parents very proud: obedient, faithful, helpful, kind, hard-working, and studious and always acting with honesty and integrity. He tried to be a good example to his siblings, paving the way for them to follow. He was an altar boy at Guardian Angel Church and attended Catholic schools. He played football and basketball in middle and high school for several years, but stopped to focus on academics instead because his parents stressed the importance of education. He was the first in his extended Blanco family to graduate from college, receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from Texas Western College, with much determination and hard work and overcoming many obstacles.

Raul worked in Civil Service at White Sands Missile Range for 33.5 years. He was a great engineer and leader and had exemplary work ethic. He made many contributions to our country and worked on many crucial projects in his career to ensure the defense and safely of our country. (Sergeant, Pershing II, Lance, etc.). He advanced to Branch Chief and received awards for high quality performance and technical excellence.

Raul had many hobbies. Early on he enjoyed building, maintaining, and being part of a pit crew for the 902 stock car. He enjoyed Amateur Astronomy, often hosting telescope stargazing events and traveling to observatories around the country with his wife. He wrote a book on Telescope Principles for Beginners and was a member of the Astronomy Club of El Paso. He volunteered at local schools giving presentations on Astronomy and judging at Science Fairs. Raul enjoyed firearms and would go to the range with his buddies and family.

Raul donated his time to several groups he felt would make a difference. He was a founding member & Treasurer of Los Que Van Quedando (LQVQ) of his Alumni Cathedral High School. LQVQ raises funds and awards academic scholarships to students at Cathedral. He assisted in various milestone reunions, took part in fund raising, and sketched the design and helped build their first float for the Sun Carnival Parade, winning the Queen’s Award. He also earned a Tepeyac Institute Theology Certificate and a Master Catechist Certificate and taught high school students at St. Pius X Church how to prepare for their Confirmation Sacrament. He enjoyed teaching the youth and making a positive difference.

When his granddaughter wanted to learn more about family history, he put a lot of heart and soul into collecting family stories and creating a priceless “Cuento” (Story) book rich in family history to pass down the generations. He loved sharing stories and photos at family gatherings.

Raul was a gifted storyteller and had a great sense of humor often making others laugh with stories and jokes. He was a social person who knew someone almost everywhere he went.

Raul was everyone’s friend and always lent a helping hand. He helped neighbors. He was a 2nd Dad to some of his nieces, nephews, Godchildren. He, along with his wife, helped out his sister-in-law and handicapped nephew for years.

Raul knew the importance of keeping youth focused on learning and having good work ethic. He enlisted grandchildren, nieces, nephews at times to assist in home projects. He was always ready to teach a Math formula, how a car engine works, how the moon and sun work together, about God. He loved being around young, fresh minds.

Raul was a faithful and devout Catholic. He was so proud that his youngest grandchildren attended a Catholic school. Raul had a great devotion to the Divine Mercy Chaplet and to the Blessed Mother Mary and the rosary which he prayed frequently.

Raul and his wife Irene’s home was always warm, welcoming and comforting, and a 2nd home to many. His big smile, warm welcomes, sense of humor, shared knowledge, positive outlook, advice and love will be dearly missed. His strength, courage, generosity, intellect, leadership, kindness, and perseverance will always be great examples and inspiration to others. Raul lived a diverse, productive and full life with many successes and roles and yet he knew he was imperfect and humbly accepted and learned from his mistakes.

Raul was generous with his time, talent and treasure to so many people and will leave a lasting impact on many lives. The roles he cherished most were husband, dad, grandpa and great-grandpa.

The popular saying about Raul by others was, “El Yayo nunca se rajo. (Yayo never gave up).”

Love you forever, for always sweet Dad, Grandpa & Great-Grandpa. Until we are united with you again.

“Well done good and faithful servant.”