Frank Riojas

Frank was born on 23 January 1937 in Asa, Texas. He was the fifth child of ten born to John and Beatrice Riojas. Frank attended grade school in Satin and Chilton, Texas. He dropped out of school, while in the 8th grade at almost 15 years of age and went to work full time at Martin Linen Supply company in Waco, Texas. He worked there until age 20, working to help support his family. At age 20 Frank joined the Marine Corps and established a career that lasted for 30 years and 3 months. Frank, had a second career with both the Dallas County Sheriff Department and Tarrant County Sheriff Department in Fort Worth, Texas for a combined total of 24 years. Two years after joining the Marine Corps he married his sweetheart, Maria Benevidez. They had two children Rhonda, born on September 17, 1961 and Roland Riojas born on August 9, 1964. He and his wife later left their retirement home in Arlington, Texas in April of 2020 and joined their daughter to live in Wilmington, NC. Their daughter Rhonda was blessed to have cared for her brother Roland through his passing in September of 2012 and her Mother Maria who passed in July of 2024. August 10th would have been their 67th wedding anniversary and August 9th is the heavenly birthday of their son, Roland would have been 62.

He is survived by his daughter, Rhonda Riojas Lyles and her fiancée Mike Arnold, first Grandson Joseph Mackenzie Riojas Cobb and his sons Nathan Cobb and Bennett Cobb. As well as his 2nd grandson Trevor Matthew Cobb and his son Xander Cobb. All are from the Wilmington area. He lives behind his sister Julia Riojas and her life partner Bartolo Martinez from Waco, Texas, John Riojas and his wife Prue from San Antonio, Texas and his youngest brother Ralph Riojas from Waco, Texas. We would also like to acknowledge his lifelong friend Hilbert Lopez of Waco, Texas who was always in his thoughts daily and they cherished a very special bond since a very young age. Also his closest military friend Dan Hernandez and wife Minnie, whom he met while stationed at Parris Island, SC in 1970 and remained friends until his passing.

A memorial service will be done in honor of both Frank and his wife Maria on Saturday, August 8th, 2026, at 2pm at Andrews Mortuary Market Street Chapel.

There will be a visitation one hour prior to the service. We ask that everyone feel comfortable to wear business casual attire to accommodate the temperatures of late.

There is a Veteran burial that will be in Jacksonville, NC at the Coastal Carolina State Veterans Cemetery where he and his wife will be laid to rest. This service will be held on Monday, August 10th at 12noon.

We would also like to thank the following for their outstanding compassion and support while providing assistance my fathers care: Wellcare Home Healthcare and Home Instead. There are several other unique individuals that played an important roll in my fathers care as well and to them " job well done".