Romeo Ramirez Esparza El Ranchito, TX - Romeo Ramirez Esparza, 82, entered into eternal rest on Thursday, July 23rd at Valley Baptist Hospital in Harlingen, Texas. He was born in El Ranchito, Texas. Romeo Esparza was preceded in death by his parents Willie L. Esparza and Maria Luisa Ramirez Esparza and his siblings Anita, Alberto, Luis, Dionicio and Elfego Esparza, Guillermo Gordan, Guillermina Escobar, and Maria Luisa Ramirez. Left behind to cherish his many memories is his loving family: his wife Maria Guadalupe Ocampo Esparza and his children Celeste Esparza (David Garza) and Marilyn Esparza (Doug Ott) and granddaughters Dakota Hall and Abby E. Garza. He is also survived by his 1st wife Olivia Munoz Esparza and their children Romeo (Beatrice) Esparza, Tita E. Tamez, Libby E. Gonzales, Willie (Belinda) Esparza, Liza (Mike) Leinart, and grandchildren Willie, Romeo III, Mikey, and Chris Esparza, Kris Ann and Laura Tamez, Nissa (Robert) Hotchkiss, Yvette (Travis) Slagel, Frank and Michael Tamez, Kyle and Alec Leinart and his great granddaughters Samantha Goebler and Eileen Esparza. He is also survived by brothers Overlin (Blanche), Rafael (Phylis), Raul (Esther), Roman (Margaret), Willie (Elena), and Carlos (Diana) Esparza and Celeste (Miguel) Martinez. He also had numerous loving nieces and nephews. Romeo began working on his family farm before he joined the army. He worked for a cargo freight company for many years. He initiated an exclusive Mexico winter okra supply with then partners Carlos Zepeda and Nicho Esparza. Romeo was very proud of his service to his country. He was a US Army paratrooper during the Korean War. His favorite pass time was being surrounded by family and friends around a BBQ pit at his second home—a hunting camp—named Esparza Ranch in Falfurrias, Texas. The family would like to express their deep appreciation to Celestino and Lydia de los Santos and the Hernandez brothers (Paul, Pete and Danny) for their commitment and friendship toward Romeo. Visitation will be held today, Sunday, July 26, 2009 from 2:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M. with a Holy Rosary to be recited at 7:00 P.M. at Thomae-Garza Funeral Home. Mass of Resurrection will be held Monday, July 27, 2009 at 10:00 A.M. at St. Ignatius Catholic Church in El Ranchito, TX. Committal service will follow to Esparza Family Cemetery in El Ranchito, TX. Military Honors will be conducted at the graveside by American Legion Post 205 of Harlingen. Pallbearers will be his nephews Larry Esparza, Dino Esparza, JD Esparza, Emilio Escobar, Louie Esparza and Raul Esparza. Honorary pallbearer is Salomon Ocampo. Words of comfort may be sent to the family of Romeo Esparza at www.thomaegarza.com Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Thomae-Garza Funeral Directors, 395 S. Sam Houston, San Benito, TX (956) 399-1331.