He was born Sept. 25, 1930, in Waelder, to the late Carlos and Saturnina Almaraz Esparza. He was a retired laborer for General Motors Corp. and a member of St. Patrick's Catholic Church.
Survivors: wife, Esperanza Melchor Esparza; daughters, Janie Haro and Maria Esparza, both of Florida, Aurelia Gallegos, Josie DeWalt, Guadalupe Cavillo and Eva Esparza , all of Houston; sons, Tony Esparza of Florida and Carlos Esparza of Johnstown, Pa.; sisters, Natividad Martinez of Moulton, Sarah Ramiraz, Louisa Estrada and Rosa Melchor, all of Waelder, and Juana Schlihab of Victoria; brothers, Nickolas Esparza of Waelder, Crespins Esparza, Lasaro Esparza, and Anselmo Esparza, all of Houston; 20 grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.
Preceded in death by: infant daughter Maria; one sister; and three brothers.
A rosary was recited at Smith Funeral Home.
Services were held Saturday at St. Patrick's Catholic Church, the Rev. Eric Ritter officiating.
Burial was at Waelder Community Cemetery. Smith Funeral Home, Flatonia, 361-865-3311.