IN MEMORIAM
EXPANDED EULOGIES
“In Memoriam” listings are expanded paid obituaries, phrased as the family requests, and may include enhanced information or photographs that might not fit within free death notices.
Oscar Ybarra
Full Catholic funeral Mass for Oscar D, Ybarra, 75, Galva, who left his earthly body Wednesday, April 30, 2025, was scheduled for 11 a.m. Wednesday, May 7, at St. Andrew Catholic Church, Abilene.
Military honors burial was to follow immediately at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery. The family is inviting friends to attend a lunch after the burial at the parish hall.
Visitation was 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 6, with Rosary at 6 p.m.
Oscar was born Dec. 27, 1949, in Hondo, Texas, the eldest of seven children of Alfredo Ybarra and Martina (Lia) Ybarra.
He graduated from South San Antonio High School in 1968 and enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, following in his father’s footsteps.
Oscar served in the Air Force for four years, from 1968 to 1972, both overseas and in the U.S. He served in Korea while the Vietnam War was ongoing.
His job as a vehicle operator / dispatcher was to supply satellite stations with 50-gallon barrels that would run lights and heating systems, to deliver food and necessities, and to transport troops in convoys in mountains and villages.
Oscar was proud of his role as he was a true believer in stopping the spread of Communism.
During his service time, he earned these medals: Good Conduct (three years); Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (deployment); and National Defense Service Medal (serving at time of war).
He was honorably discharged, leaving the Air Force as a sergeant.
Oscar later was selected for an honor flight to Washington, District of Columbia, in 2018 and proudly participated as a guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
While stationed at McConnell Air Force Base, he met and married Rose Alvarez of Lost Springs and had two children, Madio and Tina Ybarra.
They settled in Lost Springs, where he enjoyed the quiet, peaceful atmosphere. He loved listening to sounds of oil fields or trains from his porch.
Oscar began working alongside brother-in-law Nick Alvarez for the Santa Fe railroad.
He worked as a trackman / truck driver, retiring after 37 years from the Burlington Northern Santa Fe in 2010.
He did not stay retired for long.
He enjoyed a return to his driving skills and shared the title with his wife of “transportation officers” for their grandchildren in Kansas and Texas.
Together they delivered them safely to school and events, providing caretaker roles to help with the burden of working parents. Oscar often would suggest a trip to Braum’s on the way home in case the kids needed ice cream.
A man of many hobbies, Oscar never was idle. In his younger years, he took pride in working on cars with his family. This later translated into teaching these skills to his children and grandchildren.
He was the ultimate “fixer.” He found great joy in giving and often could be found at garage sales looking for something he needed to fix or to give to someone who might need that particular item.
He was the best “make a fair deal” man. He prioritized calling his railroad friends and attending breakfast meetings while also attending military reunions as a member of the Mule Skinner convoy unit.
He loved telling stories, being extremely punctual, and napping with their little dog, Zoey.
Oscar was a proud, giving man who sacrificed his entire life for the well-being of those around him. His grandchildren proudly exclaim him as “Papa, their hero.”
He was a loyal father and a giver of happiness, and his kindness will be missed every minute of every day.
Oscar was preceded in death by his father, Alfredo Ybarra, and sibling Alfredo Ybarra Jr.
Survivors include his wife, Rose Ybarra; children Madio Ybarra of Texas and Tina R (Ybarra) Roche (and husband Joe Roche) of Salina; grandchildren Logan, Mercedes, and Dannika Ybarra and Gabriel, Julian, and Eva Roche; mother Martina (Lia) Ybarra of Texas; siblings James Ybarra (and wife Delores), David Ybarra (and wife Beverly), Dora Ximenez (and husband Joe), Ruby Martinez (and husband Gilbert) and Ruth Riojas (and husband Tim).
Also surviving are Alvarez siblings Nick Alvarez (and wife Debbie), Rick Alvarez (and wife Jessica), Robert Alvarez (and wife Shari), Rita Gehrke (and husband Dave), Mona Slothhower (and husband Larry), and Rachel Krier (and husband Ken) along with many, many additional loving relatives.
Memorials may be made to the family in care of Martin-Becker-Carlson Funeral Home. Abilene.