Rafael Robles

Rafael Robles departed from this Earth to be with the Lord on May 20th, 2019- much more than this date, though, does his life recount the vast amount of love he both gave and received in return from those he would meet during his lifetime. Born in Olmito, Texas, on March 20th, 1933 to parents Juanita and Timoteo Robles, Rafael grew up alongside his siblings in Brownsville, where he would meet his wife of over 60 years, Julia- through their fathers, Rafael and Julia met as children and would remain in touch for a number of years until they finally wed in 1951 and moved to Fort Worth soon after. It was in Fort Worth that Rafael met family friend, “Viejito” Martinez, and became involved in the concrete business starting in the early 1950s- the entirety of North Texas remains as a part of his life’s work, and was regarded as much more than a simple concrete slab- his place of employment was located simply wherever he was needed: whether it be a driveway for a new family he and his wife would befriend, a local business, or a new church he would become involved with, he would gladly offer his time and effort into anything he would do. Rafael dedicated his life to his faith, and was exceptional in practicing his love for God through helping anyone who ever needed it. Through his hard work, he not only provided concrete foundations for several churches in both Brownsville and Fort Worth, but was insistent on staying involved with each church until he would have the house filled with a congregation- it was then that he would deem his time was done there, and would pass on responsibility to the next pastor there. Rafael officially became a pastor in 1969, and would then go from church to church with pastors such as Elias Mojica, where they would visit and provide services whenever they could while maintaining their own house of service back in Fort Worth. One of his greatest joys was being able to practice his faith alongside his wife, Julia, in being able to provide a home for so many people throughout the years- they were known to sing the song “Soy Peregrino”, a hymnal that recounts the journey of a lost soul in search of a home who finds comfort in God’s love. This hymn highlights exactly what Rafael meant to many of those who had the blessing of knowing him- he was a man who took it as an honor to speak about God, and adamant in fulfilling his purpose as the Lord’s servant. As for his five children, 24 grandchildren, 53 great-grandchildren, 11 great-great grandchildren and all of the remaining family that is far too vast to count, he was everything you ever needed: loving. He was known as the kind of man who preferred an orange over a brand-new watch, and encompassed humility and kindness with each and every day. The day that his wife Julia passed away, he knew he was ready to be at home with the Lord- even then, he served the Lord just the same until his last breath, with which he was finally at peace.

He is preceded in death by his wife Julia and son Daniel, and is survived by his daughter Jane and sons Ralph, Timoteo, and Ray.