Sesario Ramos, affectionately known as Dad, Grandpa, Chayo, and Coach Ramos, peacefully passed away in his sleep on Friday, Jan. 12, 2024, in Clovis, New Mexico.

Sesario was born in Grand Falls, Texas, and raised in Fort. Stockton, Texas, the beloved son of Florentino and Juanita Salazar Ramos. He dedicated much of his life to teaching and inspiring the youth in his community, specializing in sports, track and field, and boxing.

A high achiever from a young age, Sesario excelled in football and even earned the title of Most Handsome during his high school years at Fort Stockton High School. He furthered his education, graduating from Sul Ross University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Science. In 1970, he ventured westward to Clovis, New Mexico, with his loving wife Melba.

Sesario and Melba shared a passion for travel and selflessly assisted other family members. Coach Ramos became an integral part of the Gattis Junior High School coaching staff, where he dedicated himself to encouraging and guiding students to become promising young adults. Additionally, as members of the American G.I. Forum, Sesario and Melba actively contributed to the development of a scholarship program for numerous young adults. Even in retirement, their commitment to children continued through involvement in the foster care program.

Sesario had a passion for participating in chili cook-offs and achieved success by winning multiple events. During Thanksgiving celebrations, Dad and Jimmy took pleasure in deep-frying turkeys for their friends. The shared love for music brought Sesario and his son together, spending countless hours listening to their favorite tunes. Additionally, Sesario enjoyed grilling and barbecuing, frequently inviting friends to join him for a meal or sending them home with delicious treats for the family.

Notably, on Sept. 9, 2023, Sesario was honored by the Clovis Wildcats football program during a halftime ceremony. This special event, organized by Wheatfields Senior Community, recognized him as a contributor, mentor, and coach who positively impacted the youth at Gattis Junior High and in school athletics programs. Many generations of kids expressed their gratitude for his unwavering belief in them and encouragement.

Sesario leaves behind a lasting legacy as a loving Grandfather to Samantha, Andrea, and Jeremy, affectionately known as "Grandpa Chayo." Later in life, he became a Great-Grandpa to Kasey, Arabella (Samantha and Adrian Gutierrez), and Roman, Juliana, Ariana, and Issac (Jeremy and Carlee Gonzales).

He is survived by his son Jimmy Ray (Guadalupe); daughter Kimberly Rae (Steve Rayburn); grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and sisters Gloria Sanchez, Tomasa Moreno, Eloise Morales, and Adelaida Pena. Preceding him in death were his siblings Jimmy Ramos, Herman Ramos, Ernestina Chavarria, and Clara Rasco. Sesario was most notably preceded in death by his loving wife of over 65 years, Melba, in January 2022.

Graveside service will be at St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Fort Stockton, at 1 p.m. Friday, March 15, 2024.