Emilio Vasquez

Emilio H. Vasquez, Sr, of Marfa, Texas at the age of 81 was called by our Lord on March 20, 2020.He was born in Mexico on April 5, 1938 to his parents Eusebio B. Vasquez and Cesaria H. Vasquez.Emilio was married to Estela B. Vasquez for 57 years. They were wed on December 15, 1963.With immense courage to leave everything behind and everything he had ever known; he began from scratch in another country, for the sake of his family’s future. He had an unquestionable love for his family. He had a love and passion for horses which carved his way of life. A third generation Cowboy he spent most of his life in far-west Texas ranching, cowboying and team roping. Family, friends and co-workers would describe Emilio as hard working, loyal, decent, honest, absolute selflessness who had a stoic resolve in the face of relentless adversity. His acceptance of everyone and refusal to judge or dismiss anyone and how much he enjoyed being with people, hearing and telling stories especially at ropings or just penning up cattle at a ranch, was a testament to his character. His reputation as a top hand cowboy, cattleman or a roper will live on at a legendary level among those that knew him, worked with him or competed with him. From his championship title of the South West Texas Team Roping Association in the late 70’s, up to 2015 and still cashing in at the World Series of Team Roping in the Las Vegas Finale his late years of 77 years old. “The best of the best” ,“The Champ” and other descriptions were commonly heard and were met with a humble grin. He loved his horses and gave all credit to Badger, Candy, El Chapo and El Palomino, just to name a few of his prize mounts, that added to his legacy. Even with all of the accolades, prizes and money—He always gave credit to our Lord and his Blessed Mother Mary for all of his life’s blessings.As a son, a brother, a father and a husband, he leaves behind his wife Estela Vasquez; son Jaime and daughter-in-law Erin of Whitewright, TX; son Emilio, Jr. and daughter-in-law Ingrid Vasquez of Gainesville, TX; son Arturo and daughter-in-law Cindy Vasquez of Sanger, TX; son Octavio Vasquez; son Omar Vasquez. Eleven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren; sister Amanda Vasquez Alvarado of El Paso, TX; sister Lilia Vasquez Prieto of Marfa, TX, as well as many cousins, nieces and nephews.Preceded in death by his father and mother, sister Hijinia Vasquez Tarin; sister Antonia Vasquez Tarin.