Teofilo "Nicky" Thomas Ybarra

On Thursday, May 9th 2019, Teofilo “Nicky” Thomas Ybarra ascended to his final celebration of life, uniting and drinking with passed family and friends. Entertaining and having a good time was what Nicky did best as he could really work a crowd. He was dedicated to finding a new hole-in-the-wall restaurant to eat with his wife. He often enjoyed a margarita with a spoon and engaging with owners and patrons on daily sports statistics. Always donning a hat, he was the most festive man in the room. He truly enjoyed living it up and would whistle, holler and clap his hands in sheer delight.

Nicky’s true passion in life was football. He was an avid fan of the Houston Texans, University of Houston and Louisiana State University. He would often embed himself in more than one game at a time. He would set himself up with one game muted on the television and a second on the radio, all the while smoking a tobacco pipe and eating Fritos. Even though he played football in his younger years, he played softball as an adult and would root for the Houston Astros- only when they were winning. For much of his life, being in the water and hanging out at the beach was one of his favorite pastimes. The only movie he would watch over and over was the 1953 Western film ‘Shane’, where his softer side would show, crying every time at the ending.

Nicky was born in Houston, TX on September 18, 1947, to the late Teofilo and Evangelina (Garcia) Ybarra. He was a 1966 graduate of Reagan High School. He attended North Texas State University on a football scholarship and continued his studies at the University of Houston. Nicky was a U.S. Postal carrier for 36 years. He was known by his coworkers as “Y.B.”. His crowning moments were becoming a father, a grandfather and getting kicked out of a Chinese buffet for one too many trips. Becoming a 4th Degree Knight with the Knights of Columbus was also a proud achievement of his.

Nicky is survived by his wife of 40 years, Genie Ybarra; daughter and son-in-law, Megan and Mike Haney of Richardson; granddaughter, Charlie; and brother, Christopher Ybarra of Denver, Colorado. He will be greatly missed by all who loved and knew him.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, May 18, 2019 from 4-6pm in Ted Dickey West Funeral Home Plano, TX. A memorial service will be held in Houston, TX at a later date in June.