Thursday, May 2, 2024
Lupe Esparza, age 96, of Gatesville, passed away peacefully at his ranch on Thursday, Jan. 11, 2024.
Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 18 at Scott’s Funeral Home. Interment followed at Ater Cemetery.
Lupe Esparza was born Jan. 12, 1927 in Ames to the late Epigmeñio Esparza and Marie Garcia Esparza. He attended Enterprise School in Ames. He was drafted into the United States Army in 1946 and served as a Military Policeman while in Japan immediately following World War II. He was honorably discharged in 1947. He was drafted a second time in 1953 and was assigned to the 531st Anti-Aircraft Artillery Battalion in Fort Bliss during the Korean War. He was honorably discharged later that year.
Lupe married the love of his life, Leonora Ortega, in 1950. Together, they spent 73 wonderful years together. He worked as a trim carpenter until his retirement in 1992. He was also a member of the Coryell County Sheriff’s Posse for many years. In 1975, he built his family home by himself and enjoyed raising cattle and operating his family ranch.
Lupe was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Nellie Corona; and brothers, Andy, John, Robert and Joe Esparza.
He is survived by his wife, Leonora; two daughters, Elizabeth Medart and husband, Barry, and Karen Benjegerdes and husband, Joel; brother, Manuel Esparza; grandchildren, Frances Casanover, Julie Collins and husband, Brian, Katie Homan and husband, Garrett, Megan Wiegreffe and husband, Wesley; and great-grandchildren, Logan Casanover, Evelyn and Connor Collins, and Harper and Madeline Homan.
In lieu of flowers, Lupe’s family requests memorials be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
