Philip Jesus Sifuentes

Philip Jesus Sifuentes, age 52, of Brazoria, Texas, passed away too soon on August 12, 2022. Philip was born on March 14, 1970, in Austin, Texas, to Elizabeth “Betty” Sifuentes and the late Jesus Sifuentes, Jr.

Philip grew up in Pearsall, Texas, where he developed lifelong loves for sports, music, and adventures with friends. While he excelled in multiple sports, he took the most pride leading the Mighty Mavericks as quarterback. He loved to savor life, whether cooking and barbecuing for his family, doting on his "wifie" Diane, championing his son Michael’s success and attending his practices and competitions for baseball, track, and football, or simply spending time with their dogs. A born storyteller with a booming voice and infectious laugh, he rarely missed a chance to regale his family and friends.

Philip began a career in law enforcement with the Frio County Sheriff's Department, but as the Briscoe Unit opened in Dilley, he soon joined the Texas Department of Criminal Justice system. Not long after starting as a Correctional Officer I, he led the development of the new Defensive Tactics Squad. He volunteered to teach defensive tactics and became a master instructor later recruited to teach classes in HR. He also was among the mounted patrols deployed by TDCJ in a manhunt for “The Texas Seven” after their escape from Connally. At Brisco he learned about the hard and hazardous work involved in a medium security unit, and after he was promoted to Major he was assigned to lead the smaller Cotulla Unit. While there, he built tough discipline among his staff, yet to read his staff’s testimony he was a caring leader who looked after them as they worked hard and risked their safety every day. At the Torres Unit he secured a foundation grant and established a ministry unit, whose opening ceremonies were one of his proudest moments. At all his units he was an enthusiastic supporter for the Windham School System and even convinced his Dad to teach inmates before he retired there.

After succeeding with progressive responsibilities for TDCJ at posts across the state, he ultimately rose to Senior Warden II.

Philip’s early career started as a disc jockey at Radio Ranchito KVWG-AM/FM in Pearsall, Texas, where he built his own rock show and refined his gift for gab. He attended Southwest Texas State University and SWTJC before earning a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Administration from Kaplan University. After his retirement from TDCJ he worked as a substitute teacher and was preparing to get his certification to teach Criminal Justice at a local ISD or college.

While building his career from Briscoe, Connally, Cotulla, Darrington, Clemens, Sayle, Lopez, Torres, McConnell, and back to Connally, he had to be away from his son and wife for long periods of time. So in 2020 he retired early to spend quality time with them. His prolific posts on FaceBook reflected the pride and love he had seeing his son continuing his development into an outstanding athlete and young man.

Philip is survived by his beloved wife, Diane Mary Kotara Sifuentes, and son Michael Joaquin Sifuentes, age 14, of Brazoria, Texas; his mother Elizabeth “Betty” Sifuentes of Carrizo Springs, Texas; brother Juan Carlos Sifuentes (Marina Sifuentes, spouse; Sophia and Paloma, nieces) of San Antonio, Texas; sister Terry Sifuentes Perrone (Eric, spouse; Lauren and Nicholas, niece and nephew) of Raleigh, North Carolina; and maternal 95 year old grandmother Noelia Saldana Herbort of Eagle Pass, Texas. He is preceded in death by his father, Jesus Sifuentes, Jr.; paternal grandparents Jesus and Maria De La Luz Sifuentes of Eagle Pass; maternal grandfather Manuel Martinez of Rosenburg, Texas and step-grandfather “Opa” John Herbort of Carrizo Springs. Philip is also survived by numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers invited include his brother Juan Carlos Sifuentes, brother-in-law Eric Perrone, best man at his wedding David Collins, cousin Tony Sifuentes, and friends Matt Barber and Kurt Steifer.