Rafael Marquez

Rafael Marquez, 93, a lifelong resident of Brawley, CA, passed away on Friday, March 4, 2016. He was born on Sunday, September 17, 1922 in Calexico, CA to Rafael and Margarita Marquez. Rafael is survived by his devoted wife, Lawrencia Marquez, three children, Sylvia (Bob) Hicks, Ralph (Lori) Marquez, and Elisa (Jeff) Benefield, one sister, Linda Walker, six grandchildren, Aaron Waterman, Kyle Waterman, Dominique Marquez, Benjamin Marquez, Enrique Escalera, and Michael Escalera, and eight great-grandchildren. Rafael was preceded in death by three sisters, Isabel, Ruth and Barbara, and one brother, Maxi.

Rafael was a proud veteran of the United States Navy where he served honorably during WWII. He was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars in Brawley, the American Legion, the American Citizens Club, and was a lifetime parishioner of Sacred Heart Church. He was also a very active member of the Democratic Party. Rafael enjoyed motorcycling and having large family gatherings. He was a devoted family man and always had the needs of his family first in his mind.

Rafael was dearly loved and will be deeply missed by everyone who had the honor of knowing him.

Interment will be at Riverside National Cemetery.