Apolonio Esparza

Apolonio Vara Esparza was born to Apolonio & Nasaria (Vara) Esparza in Kermit TX May 30, 1947.

He attended school there until he was drafted in the United States Army during the Viet Nam War and received an honorable discharge.

Sunny had a few jobs before going to work at El Paso Natural Gas as a Controls Technician and retired after 43 years. He started working at the Jal NM plant, later transferred to Carlsbad NM where he met his wife of 31 years. He instantly gained a daughter, and soon they had a son. A few years later he was transferred to Monahans, Texas where they bought a home with land and immediately bought horses, his favorite was Jake.  We enjoyed riding horses with his sister (Nancy) and her family. He was a cowboy at heart, going to rodeos in full dress from cowboy hats to boots.

Sunny was a master auto mechanic, he never saw an engine he couldn’t take apart and put back together. He was an avid reader of western books, Louis L’Amour being a favorite. He also loved TV westerns with Lonesome Dove, Jeremiah Johnson, Gunsmoke and High Chaparral as favorites.  One of his favorite singers is Willie Nelson singing “Seven Spanish Angels”.   When he wasn’t working, he would tinker outside doing one project or another. He looked forward to meeting Billy McGrew every morning at McDonalds for daily coffee.

While in Monahans; he gained 1 daughter-in-law, 2 grand-daughters, 1 grandson, and one Great grandson.  Sunny loved his family with a passion and tried to be a tough guy, but was actually a softy.

Sunny is proceeded in death by his parents, daughter Nancy Haggerton, and sister Linda Salinas.

He is survived by his wife Becky Esparza of Monahans, Son Christopher Esparza and wife Maddie of Monahans,  2 grand daughters Sunni McCumsey of Midland Tx and Maleena McCumsey and significant other Lyndon Lambert of Arlington TX. Grandson Zayne Esparza and Great Grandson Solomon Monroe, Brother Ray Esparza of Odessa TX, 3 sisters Nancy Pedraza of Monahans, Gladys Mesa and husband Augustine of Odessa, TX. and Blanca Morrow of Fort Stockton as well as numerous beloved nieces and nephews.

Honorary Pall Bearers are Dominic Pedraza, Billy McGrew, Apolonio Rodriquez, Fred Oyerbides and Phillip Fuentes.

Funeral services will be held in Monahans TX the date will be determined.