Rudy V. Escobar's Obituary
Decatur-Rudy V. Escobar, 88, of Decatur, passed away Tuesday, December 8, 2015 in St. Mary’s Hospital.
Rudy was born November 30, 1927 in Ben Bolt, Texas, the son of Porfirio and Christina (Munos) Escobar. He was a China Marine combat veteran of WWII. He retired from Firestone after twenty-eight years of service. Rudy’s passion in life was serving his fellow comrades and veterans. Rudy, along with Jim Parker, co-founded the Macon County Honor Guard in 1995 to perform military honors for veterans throughout central Illinois. Rudy commanded the Honor Guard from 1994 until his passing. He had a way of making each person he met feel like a lifelong friend. Fueled by his passion and personal touch, he helped mold the Honor Guard into a preeminent funeral honors program. Over his twenty-five years of dedicated service, he received numerous awards and recognition for his devotion and leadership including, then Senator Barack Obama, the Illinois Governor, Speaker of the House, and Legislature, as well as national recognition from a multitude of veteran’s organizations.
Rudy volunteered countless hours transporting veterans to and from the VA Medical Center in Danville. He was a member of the American Legion Castle Williams Post 105, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 99, Disabled American Veterans Post 17, the Marine Corps League, and the China Marine Association. He was a former member of the Moose Lodge and a Big Brother. He was a talented athlete and played Minor League baseball from 1952 to 1957. Rudy’s love of sports endured through his life. He coached men’s baseball and enjoyed golfing and bowling. Rudy was previously married to Dora Osborne. He later married Elsie (Bowen) Hopkins and they shared over twenty-six years together.
Rudy leaves behind his wife Elsie of Decatur, children Rudy Escobar Jr. (Claudia) of Corpus Christi, Texas, Rory Escobar (Laura) of Corpus Christi, Texas, Robbie Escobar (Sandra) of Dallas, Texas, Christina (Escobar) Leigh (Richard) of Decatur, Carmen (Escobar) Pirtle (Brian) of Beaufort, South Carolina, and Corina (Escobar) Cravens (James) of Bethany, step-children Susan Paradee (Jerry) of Moweaqua, Patricia Woley of McLeansboro, and Richard Hopkins (Lauren) of Warrenton, Missouri, brothers Art Escobar of Houston, Texas and Sam “Mando” Escobar of San Antonio, Texas, sisters Mary Martinez, Celia Charles, and Emilia Gonsalez all of Corpus Christi, Texas, 21 grandchildren, and 21 great-grandchildren.
Rudy was preceded in death by his parents, brother Raul Escobar, son David Escobar, and granddaughter Celia A. Wilson.
Funeral Liturgy to celebrate Rudy’s life will be 10 AM Monday, December 14, 2015 at Graceland/Fairlawn Funeral Home with Very Rev. Joseph Molloy V.F. Visitation will be from 2-4 PM Sunday, December 13, 2015 at the funeral home. Burial with military honors conducted by the Macon County Honor Guard will be at Macon County Memorial Park with the “Flight Home Ceremony” to conclude the service. Memorials may be directed to the Macon County Honor Guard.
The family of Rudy V. Escobar is being served by the Graceland/Fairlawn Funeral Home, 2091 N. Oakland Ave. Decatur, IL. Please view the online obituary, send condolences, and share memories at www.gracelandfairlawn.com.
Video Tribute for Rudy V. Escobar: https://www.tributeslides.com/tributes/show/NG8JCZB6WPLYXX3Z
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