Obituary: Sesario Ramos

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

Sesario was born in Grand Falls, Texas, and raised in Ft. Stockton, Texas, the beloved son of Florentino and Juanita 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. 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 September 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 daughter Kimberly Rae (Steve Rayburn), son Jimmy Ray (Guadalupe), grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and sisters Gloria, Tomasa, Eloise, and Adelaida. Preceding him in death were his siblings Jimmy, Herman, Ernestina, and Clara. Sesario was most notably preceded in death by his loving wife of over 65 years, Melba, in January 2022.

Special thanks go to the compassionate staff at Wheatfields Senior Living Community for their wonderful care during the past two years.

A Memorial Viewing is scheduled for 6 p.m. Thursday, January 18, at Steed Todd Funeral Home. The Rosary will commence at 9:30 a.m at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, followed by the Funeral Mass at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, January 19. Lunch will be served in the Church gymnasium, with cremation to follow under the direction of Steed Todd Funeral Home.