Juan,

Thanks for all the love and support you always gave to me and my family. You were generous and so kind to all of us. Thanks for the memories and the time we spent together. I know that you are in heaven and we'll always remember you.  

I first met Juan just. few days after I got home from Marine bootcamp in June 1986. I was engaged to his daughter and we were to have dinner that night. We all went to a Mexican restaurant. I could not get over how much he smiled, and was so kind, and so full of joy. The food came and my fiance leaned over and said to me, "Isn't there something you need to ask my dad?" My heart leaped into my throat. I was sitting there next to Juan, my feet at 45 degrees in my Marine uniform, and I was scared to death. I was not prepared for that. It had not occurred to me to have this talk. I shook my head no, and began devouring my enchiladas. He put his hand on my shoulder, and he laughed like he always did. "It's alright," he said to me and smiled. His daughter on the other hand, was upset. she leaned over across my enchiladas, and boldly said, "Dad, we're getting married." He just smiled and shook his head. "I figured that." All the while,  he had his hand on my shoulder, and I understood that this was his blessing and a welcome to his family. He was such a good man and a symbol of humility and kindness. The last time I saw him was November 2016, when he officiated the marriage of my daughter. He was older, and still had that same welcoming and beaming smile.  




Oh Papabear, I am going to miss you so much! I will miss your smile, your big hugs, the love you showed us all, the straight black coffee I would make for you when you were visiting, the Big Grandpa movie dates,  and the stories you would tell me about how my Uncle Nacho and you would go in the woods and all the fun shenanigans you would do with him. It’s still crazy how our families intertwined like that! Those big bear hugs you would give me and how tall you were is when I gave you your nick name “Papabear.”  You know what? You were that Papabear to a lot of people and I am so grateful to God that you fulfilled His purpose for your life. You left a great example on how to walk with the Lord and be like Him.  I love you with all my heart and It makes my heart rejoice that Isaiah, Elena, and Rueben got to spend so much quality time with their Big Grandpa. Not goodbye but see you soon. 

My father-in-law was the wisest person I know full of wisdom to give. He was my foundation and biggest supporter through my journey of being an Army wife. Through all the difficulties, struggles, worries and loneliness of all the deployments. He was there by my side giving me words of encouragement. Sometimes it was just silence and a tight hold in his arms. I will always be grateful to him. Thank you Pops for showing me how a father should love their daughter. I love you Big Guy.

Daddy was an amazing man. He grew up picking cotton and worked hard to achieve becoming a project manager in oil in gas. He loved his children and ensured we never went without. Later in life when he accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior we saw someone who would go above and beyond for his fellow man. He would take every opportunity to pray for all of those he encountered. I’m going to miss my father and our talks. But I’m at peace knowing he is smiling down on us.

I love you Pops. You will forever be deeply missed and never forgotten. I will always embrace the times we share together. I will remember your laughter and graceful smile and your over flowing love for us all. Love, Gina

I let Juan know I was coming to Houston to preach for my friend and brother Keith Turner in Liberty.  Juan came to the hotel that morning and went with us to the service.  The people at the church loved him so much they gave him an honorarium for being with us.  His brother agreed to have me come that evening to preach at his church in Richmond, Juan arranged it all.  At the evening service the people were just as gracious as those at the morning service, we left that evening with a new song in our hearts.  Juan was what I call the acid test for true Christianity.  His memory will be in my heart forever.  He proved that being who God called you to be is the greatest blessing of all.

Juan, Thank you for our two wonderful sons, Robert and Richard.Love always,Lyn.

My brother and I. got close this past year since my illness.He would call me and prayed for me.I thank God he was my brother..Would make me laugh when I thought I couldn't
I will alway remember and hear it all these day My baby sister take care am praying for you.I would laugh and. tell him you have an old baby sister.His response would be you'll always be my baby sister.Didn't think I would. have to bury him so soon.IHe will always be in my heart .REST IN PEACE MY ELDEST BOTHER.HOPE TO SEE YOU SOON.MUCH LOVE YOUR BABY SISTER.

 I think anyone who met Juan considered him a friend, and was made to feel a friend.  His was a very positive personality in the original Exxon BOP 'family.'  The always present wide smile and laughter would pick up anyone's day.  Very sad to hear of his passing.    God speed fella!

OBITUARY

Juan Rodolfo Delgado

August 30, 1944 – January 22, 2021

American Heritage Funeral Home

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