Services for Rafael A Rios-Escalera will be held 11:30am Monday October 28, 2019 at Inglesia Christiana Monte Sinai. Burial will follow at the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery in Killeen.
Rafael A Rios-Escalera was born on August 29, 1937 in Vega Alta, Puerto Rico to Antonio Rios and Carmen Escalera. In 2009, he was .diagnosed with Alzheimer; after a long journey, on October 22, 2019 with his family at his bed side, he succumbed to the disease.
Rafael married the love of his life Rosa A Vega on January 8, 1964 at Inmaculada Concepcion Catholic Church in Vega Alta PR. During those glorious 55 years, they had four beautiful children.
After high school, he joined the US Army and proudly served his country 26 years. Post retirement, he accomplished his goal of earning a Bachelor's of Science in Business Administration from ATU in 1988; thereafter, he worked for the US Postal Service for 17 years. Among his many accomplishments, Rafael was an avid baseball player. As an adolescent, he played for his hometown team Los Maceteros de Vega Alta, he also played on many battalion teams throughout his military career. Later in life, he coached little leagues..
He was a member of the Iglesia Cristiana Monte Sinai where he was very involved with his church community.
Rafael A Rios-Escalera was preceded in death by his parents, his twin brother Jose Gilfredo Rios and his sister Josefina Rios.
He is survived by his loving wife Rosa A Rios; four children: Rafael A. Rios Jr. and his partner David Halm, Edwin Ivan Rios and wife Angela, Patricia Rios-Moore and husband Eddie, Rosa A. Bowersock and husband Kurney; three sisters: Carmen Rios, Dolores Rios and Antonia Rios and eight grandchildren: Michael Rios, Haley Rios Hunt and husband Robert, Jared Rios, Marissa Rios, Jayla Burnett, Evelyn Bowersock, Evan & Elise Bowersock.
He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother and tio. The family will receive visitors from 5-7pm Sunday October 27, 2019 at Crawford-Bowers Funeral Home in Killeen.
