Abelino Rios Jr.

Abelino Rios Jr. passed away peacefully at home May 6, 2026, surrounded by his children and former wife, Debra, deeply loved by his family and all who knew him.

He was born on Nov. 30, 1950, in Alligator, Mississippi. As a child, he traveled throughout many states with his family as migrant workers, learning the value of hard work at an early age. Before school each morning, he would already be out working in the fields — a work ethic that stayed with him his entire life and was passed down to each of his children.

Abelino was truly a jack of all trades. Over the years, he worked as a cowboy on a ranch caring for thousands of head of cattle, a foreman aboard the Deep Sea in the Bering Sea, a foreman on many orchards, a grain harvester, and eventually a general contractor, where he spent many years before retiring. There was nothing he couldn’t fix, and no challenge he would back down from. To his children, he was 10 feet tall and bulletproof.

He was a proud father to his three children, Erik, Aubrey, and Shelby, whom he shared with his former wife, Debra. Although Abelino and Debra divorced in 2004, they remained friends until the very end.

More than anything, Abelino loved being a grandfather. His grandchildren Beckett and Charlotte lovingly called him “Oompoopapa,” while his grandson Brooks knew him as “Boppa.” He adored his family deeply, and they adored him in return.

Abelino was also known for being a wonderful cook, an incredible gardener, and a man with endless knowledge about planting and pruning trees. He took great pride in his garden.

Abelino was preceded in death by his mother, Maria Rios; his father, Abelino Rios Sr.; his sisters, Cruz Fonseca and Audelia Mendoza; and his brothers, Manuel Rios and Jose Rios. He is survived by his brothers, Guadalupe Rios and Juan Rios; his sisters, Rosa Ovalle, Maria Fernandez, and Dora Medley; along with his children, grandchildren, and many loved family members and friends.