Ben Escalon

The family of Ben Escalon is gathering to recite the Holy Rosary at 6:00 pm on Friday, May 22, 2026, at Lake Ridge Chapel and Memorial Designers. A Mass celebration honoring his life of 88 years, is scheduled at 10:00 am on Saturday, May 23, 2026, at St. Philip Benizi Catholic Church of Idalou, followed by a graveside service at the Idalou Cemetery. He passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 7, 2026.

Ben was born June 14, 1937, to Francisco and Enriqueta Escalon in Mercedes, Texas. He shared a remarkable 63 years of marriage with his sweetheart and the love of his life, Maria Cruz Martinez. Together, they built a life centered on love, resilience, and unwavering partnership. Their journey was filled with simple joys and meaningful traditions, from traveling side by side to numerous family gatherings and celebrations to taking extensive trips abroad. Ben was a totally devoted husband to Cruz. Together they served as pillars in the church community and were deeply involved in both the Idalou and Petersburg parishes. He began his career working for the Fred Bradshaw family farm near Idalou. Ben was then employed with the John Deere Company in Petersburg as a diesel mechanic. He then embarked on new employment with Bruckner’s Truck Sales in Lubbock in the same capacity until his retirement. Ben’s passion since his teenage years was drag racing and was owner/operator of the Idalou Drag Strip for many years. He enjoyed racing, building cars, traveling, hunting, and fishing.

He was a true family man whose greatest joy came from gathering his loved ones close, whether it was a backyard cookout, holiday or family celebration, or an impromptu weekend get together. Ben thrived on the laughter, stories, and warmth that filled the room wherever family was near.

Ben was endless fun and hilarious and had a larger-than-life personality that could light up any gathering. He loved life fully and lived it on his own terms, unique in every way. His impressive gun collection reflected his appreciation for craftsmanship and history, and he took pride in maintaining and sharing knowledge about it.

He will be remembered for his quick wit, his generous heart, and the way he made everyone feel like they belonged. His presence will be deeply missed, but his spirit will live on in every shared meal, every family gathering, and every story told with a smile.

Ben is survived by his children: Sylvia Martinez and husband Fernando, Thomas Escalon and wife Kathy, and Mark Escalon and wife Melinda; grandchildren: Aaron Martinez and wife Robbie, Austin Escalon and wife Sheena, Jordan Hernandez, Avery Escalon, Abigail Escalon, Samuel Mark Escalon, Michael Delaney and wife Lauren, Amber Robertson and husband Chad, Kimberly Chupik and husband Josh; great-grandchildren: Ryker Escalon, Kree Escalon, Daphne Escalon, Kaylee Robertson, Lucas Robertson and Makena Robertson; siblings: Gilbert Escalon, Mateo Escalon, Pedro Escalon, Victor Escalon, Eva Garza, Frank Escalon, Henry Escalon, Joe Escalon and Elva Castellano.

Preceding him in death was his wife Cruz, son Ben Escalon Jr., parents Francisco and Enriqueta Escalon, and siblings Simona Escalon, Guadalupe Arambula, Thomas Escalon and Elias Escalon.