Emiliano Nevarez, Sr.

Emiliano Reyna Nevarez, 82, passed away on February 15, 2026, in Vernon, Texas. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, February 20, 2026, at Santa Rosa Catholic Church in Knox City. Burial will follow at Knox City Cemetery under the direction of Smith Family Funeral Homes. A Rosary will be recited at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 19, 2026, at the funeral home located at 210 Avenue A. Father Bose Jujuvarapu  will be officiating.

Emiliano was born on June 30, 1943, in Durango, Mexico, to Margarito and Francesca Nevarez. He married Rosie Ledesma of Knox City on April 1, 1971.

A proud immigrant, Emiliano came to the United States seeking opportunity and a better life than what was possible in Mexico. Through hard work and determination, he built a life for his family and became a U.S. citizen in 1993. He worked for many years as a farm hand while living in Knox City and later moved to Vernon, where he was employed at Tyson Foods until his retirement.

Emiliano was a man of few words, but his quiet nature was balanced by the many silly faces he made whenever a camera was pointed his way. He enjoyed classic westerns and action movies from the 1980s, admiring the strength and resilience of the characters—qualities he himself embodied throughout his life.

He is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Rosie Ledesma Nevarez; his parents, Margarito and Francesca Nevarez; his brother, Valentin Nevarez Reyna; and his sisters, Maria Cosme Nevarez Reyna and Celsa Nevarez Reyna.

Emiliano is survived by his children, Emiliano Nevarez Jr., Margarito Nevarez, John Nevarez, Laurie Najera, Gloria Nevarez, and Erica Nevarez; 12 grandchildren; and 3 great‑grandchildren. He is also survived by his brothers Jose Rosario Nevarez Reyna, Cutberto Nevarez Reyna, Santos Nevarez Reyna, and Roberto Nevarez Reyna; his sisters Guadalupe Nevarez Reyna, Paulina Nevarez Reyna, and Felicitas Nevarez Reyna; and numerous nieces and nephews in both the United States and Mexico.

Emiliano leaves behind a legacy of perseverance, quiet strength, and deep love for his family. His memory will be cherished by all who knew him.

Online condolences can be shared with the family at www.smithfamilyfh.com.