Benjamin R. Esquibel Sr.

Benjamin R. Esquibel Sr., age 84 of Defiance, peacefully passed away on Friday morning, April 7, 2023 at CHP Defiance Area Inpatient Hospice Center. 
  
He was born on May 12, 1938 to the late Jose and Maria Esther (Rodriquez) Esquibel in Shepherd, Michigan. Benjamin proudly served his country in the U.S. Army and National Guard. On September 3, 1960 he married Rebecca Fuentes who survives. 
  
Benjamin was an Ordained Minister with Assembly of God Church in 1991, and was a faithful member of Templo Cristiano Church in Archbold, Ohio. He was a 1992 graduate of Liberty Home Bible Institute. He worked for 25 years for General Motors in Defiance until his retirement in 1995 and was a member of VFW #3360. He and his wife loved spending their winters in Texas for 18 years and were called "Winter Texans". He was affectionately called "The Candy Man" , always having sweets in his pockets for everyone. Benjamin was a kind and compassionate man of faith and treasured his time spent with his family. He will be sadly missed by his family and many close friends.
  
Benjamin is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Rebecca Esquibel of Defiance, his daughters, Nora Esquibel of San Antonio, TX and Norma (Edwin) Collazo of Defiance, his son, Benjamin "Benny" (Anita) Esquibel of Defiance, five grandchildren; Andrew Martinez, Stephanie, Alexandra, Isaiah and Elijah Esquibel, two great-grandchildren, Shawn and Camila Martinez, and his brother, Manuel Esquibel of Weslaco, TX. 
  
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his daughter, Anita Esquibel-Floor, two sisters and six brothers.
  
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, April 11, 2023 from 2:00 to 8:00 pm Schaffer Funeral Home in Defiance, and from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm at the church on Wednesday. A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, April 12, 2023 at 12:00 pm at Templo Cristiano Church in Archbold, Ohio, with Rev. Misael Rodriguez officiating. Burial will follow the service at Archbold Cemetery.
  
Memorials are suggested to CHP Defiance Hospice Center. 

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