Ishmael Estrada Esparza
April 15, 1936 ~ January 20, 2026
Ishmael Estrada Esparza, age 89, of Palestine, Texas, left this world for his heavenly home on Tuesday morning, the 20th day of January 2026. Mr. Esparza, known for his attire to admire, humor, friendliness, and handy nature, passed away surrounded by the love of his family. He was born in Indio, California, on the 15th day of April 1936 to the late Salvador Esparza and Candalaria Estrada.
Mr. Esparza is preceded in death by his parents; daughter, April Malone; son, Enoch Esparza; and his siblings, Salvador, Helen, Alex, Daniel, Esther, Jessie, and Paul.
Mr. Esparza is survived by his loving wife of over 50 years, Juana Romero Esparza; sister, Vicky Guevara; grandchildren, Dolly Diaz, Jonathon Blanton (Sara), Alysha Malone; son-in-law, Martin Malone; great-grandchildren, Aden Blanton, Kallie Blanton, Alex Blanton, and Tatum Blanton; and his great-great-granddaughter, Naomi Blanton.
Born into a time of great change, Mr. Esparza answered the call of duty in 1954, serving with honor in the United States Navy. His commitment to his country was recognized with a medal for national defense, a symbol of his dedication and bravery. Following his military service, Mr. Esparza became a member of the Green Valley Christian Church, where his faith and fellowship were an inspiration to the congregation. After a long career, he retired from FMC in San Jose, California after 37 years of service as an engineer, where he built military tanks-Bradley Tanks.
A man of many interests, Mr. Esparza's love for singing was infectious. His voice, often raised in song, brought joy to those around him and was a source of great personal fulfillment. Woodworking was another of his passions, with his skilled hands creating beautiful pieces that were both functional and artistic. An avid reader, he enjoyed exploring the world through geography and delving into the works of Shakespeare. His garden was a reflection of his hard work and talent for nurturing growth, always beautiful and blooming with life and color.
Mr. Esparza's sense of humor was legendary, his quick wit and friendly demeanor making him a beloved friend. He was the kind of person who could light up a room with his presence. He was greatly loved and will be dearly missed by those he leaves behind.
Mr. Esparza will be cremated, and he will be laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.
Cremation services for Ishmael Estarda Esparza are in care of Rhone Funeral Home, 3900 S. State Highway 19, Palestine, Texas. Please visit his online memorial tribute at www.rhonefuneralhome.com, where words of comfort and condolence may be shared electronically with his family.
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Our grandfather was an avid reader, a smart man, a collector of antiques in his early years. He loved nature and was always taking us to Uvas Cannon located in Morgan Hill, Ca. He had a green thumb anything he planted grew with beauty and fruitful. He enjoyed cooking/BBQ and his food was always tasty lol but he never told you what he would make his his tamales with until after you done ate it and said this good he would surprise you and tell you he put either cows tongue or cow eyeballs in the meat he was a bit mischievous lol and that’s where the rest of us get it from, I think it runs in the blood line…lol
My early childhood with my grandfather we had a bond. He enjoyed riddles (see below) and would sit telling me riddles. He took me to Disneyland, Mexico, and the flea market always doing something or being with him. He enjoyed family being together ❤️
The last month the house has been quiet without you grandpa Ishmael. The morning and night routine has changed. The good mornings and the good nights see you tomorrow morning is no longer. I miss you each n everyday…Love you always.
1 Peter 4:8: “Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins
Riddle:
Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers. A peck of pickled peppers Peter Piper picked. If Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers, Where’s the peck of pickled peppers Peter Piper picked?