Rafael Quijas Munoz

Rafael went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, July 4, 2012 at his home in Hanford, California with his family at his bedside. Rafael was born to Juan & Clara Quijas Munoz on September 11, 1946 in Juarez, Chihuahua, Mexico. Rafael and his wife, Maria were married on May 8, 1966. He worked most of his life as a Farm Laborer until retiring in 1994. Rafael and his wife moved to Hanford, California in 1982 where they have lived for the past 30 years.

Later in life after working in Agriculture, Rafael devoted his life to the Lord. He was an ordained Pastor after attending school for 3 years. Immediately after he began teaching for the next 5 years at EBS. Rafael also worked in ministry for El Buen Samaritano Radio Station. Rafael always stayed busy and active at the Bible School as an instructor and often helped at other churches in the area teaching and preaching. He enjoyed watching all sports, but especially boxing! Rafael also liked collecting coins and reading as a pastime. Rafael served in the Mexican Military in his early years. Rafael always took an opportunity to visit his family in Juarez, Mexico when he was able.

Rafael was preceded in death by his parents; Juan & Clara Munoz and his siblings; Alicia Munoz and Antonio Munoz. Rafael is survived by his beloved wife of 46 years; Maria D. Munoz of Hanford, California. He also leaves behind his four loving children; Dina & Richard Harris, Sr. of South San Francisco, Lillia & Jorge Villalpando, Damaris & Ernie Munoz, and Eli Samuel Munoz all of Hanford, California. Rafael is survived by his four dear sisters and three dear brothers; Raquel & Elias Aguierre, Rebeca & Ramon Lechuga, Abigail & Joe Parra all of Juarez, Mexico and Elizabet & Jose Adan Hernandez of Cuauhtemoc, Mexico, Juan & Dolores Munoz of El Paso, Texas, Luis & Romelia Munoz, and Josue & Griselda Munoz all of Los Angeles, California. Rafael will be missed by his 13 precious grandchildren; Richard Harris, Jr., Caleb Harris and Sara Harris all of South San Francisco, Gabriel Villalpando, Jorge Villalpando, Jr., Daniel Villalpando, Jonathan Munoz, Natalie Munoz, Eli Munoz, Jr., Matthew Munoz, Nehemiah Munoz and Anesa Munoz all of Hanford, California and Daniel & Erica Munoz of Tulare, California. He also was adored by his great-grandson; Marcus Munoz of Tulare, California.

A Visitation will take place from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. with an Evening Service at 6:00 p.m. on Monday, July 9, 2012. A Funeral Service will take place on Tuesday, July 10, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. all at Koinonia Christian Fellowship; 12536 Hanford-Armona Road, Hanford, CA 93230 559-582-1528. Burial will follow at Kings River Cemetery; 10499 Dover Avenue, Hanford, CA 93230 559-584-3937.