Ernest Anthony Rios

Ernest was born in Odessa, Tx. on January 11, 1967, to Rufino Jr. and Diana Rios.

Ernest married the love of his life, Rose Gonzales Rios and (as he would call her) his “Queen” two decades ago.

Ernest was a devoted Christian, a loving husband, dedicated father, a loyal son, brother, friend, grandpa, and uncle that lived for his entire family. He loved spending his time listening to oldies music while sitting on the front porch drinking “birdie juice” a/k/a Crown with his wife and his little buddy, Sparky. He had a passion for motorcycles, lowriders, and old cars. He enjoyed his day-to- day dad duties like, being a dance and soccer dad, cracking jokes with Maximus, talking daily with beloved daughter, Kristina and his mother, Diana, and loved trying to teach the twins how to dance from time to time.

Ernest graduated from the University of Maryland with a degree in engineering. Ernest had many talents and passions that ranged from being the opening act for multiple famous comedians, with the likes of David Chappelle and Juan Villarreal to name a few and working with some of the biggest promoters at the local radio station, taking rides on his Harley and working on his dream car “FunTyme 69” (69 Impala). He loved to be the center of attention, whether it be on the dance floor with his one of kind dance moves or on the golf course with his infamous bright colored Rodney Dangerfield outfits. He most definitely wanted to make sure he was seen and always heard. Ernest did not know a stranger that he would not talk to, and he would argue with anyone that would give him the time of day and most of the time, he would win to…… or at least he thought he won. At the end of the day, Ernie could make you laugh whether it be in person or on what he would call “Bookface” and “TwitterBook” and it was clear that you had gained a friend in him.

Ernest was preceded in death by his father, Rufino Rios and his sister-in-law Jennifer Rios. He is survived by his wife Rose, his 3-daughters Kristina, Cheyenne, Lesli, his 2 sons, Max and Jon Melendez & his wife (Ariel), and his granddaughter, “Punkin” Bailee Melendez. His beautiful sisters Amanda Del La Cruz (Danny), Dora Lujan, and Loanna Tavarez, brothers, Frank Rios, Fabian Rios, and multiple lists of uncles, aunts, and cousins.

The Rios Family would like to extend our gratitude for the outpouring of prayers, thoughts, support, and food during this most difficult and heartbreaking time.

Visitation will take place on Tuesday, July 27, 2021, starting at 5:00 p.m. with Rosary services commencing at 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Odessa Funeral Home. Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, July 28, 2021, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church, in Odessa, Texas, with burial to follow at the Ector County Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Fabian Rios, Danny De La Cruz, Jacob Rios, Taylor Rios, Martin Hernandez, and his son, Maximus.