Armando Escamilla

Armando “Popo” Escamilla, 89, passed away peacefully on October 18, 2025, in Harlingen, Texas. He was born July 8, 1936, in San Benito, Texas to Pablo and Agapita Escamilla.

Armando dedicated over 50 years of his life as a self-employed contractor, roofer, and backhoe operator. His passions included watching western action movies and cooking shows, as well as cherishing moments with his family.

Armando is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Bertha Escamilla; his parents, Pablo and Agapita Escamilla; his sister, Magdalena Garza; and his brothers, Paulito, Jose, Antonio, and Rene Escamilla. He is also preceded by his brother-in-law, Facundo Garcia, and his nephew, Vincent James Garcia.

He is survived by his children, Sandra Leal (Bobby) and Henry Escamilla (Nina); his grandchildren, Bobby Leal (Kourtney), Meagan Pena (Tony), Amanda Perez (Steve), and Philip Escamilla (Leslie); and his great-grandchildren, Robby, Laine and Aly Leal, Haylee Leal, Khloe Perez and Steven Perez, and Jacob Pena. Also, part of his family is Chico, the chihuahua who kept him company in his later years.

The Escamilla family will receive friends and relatives on Friday, October 24, 2025, from 1:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Buck Ashcraft San Benito Funeral Home. A recitation of the Holy Rosary will begin at 7 o’clock on Friday evening. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, October 25, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Ignatius Catholic Church. Following the Mass, Armando will be laid to rest at Escamilla Cemetery in San Benito, Texas.

Honored to serve as pallbearers are Bobby Leal, Tony Pena, Steve Perez, Robby Leal, Jacob Pena, and Philip Escamilla. Honorary pallbearer will be Steven Perez.