Enrique Rios Jr.

Enrique Rios ObituaryObituary published on Legacy.com by Perches Funeral Homes - Northeast on Mar. 3, 2026.Enrique Rios Jr (Rica). 77, of El Paso, TX passed away March 1st, 2026. He was born January 1, 1949, to Enrique Rios Sr. and Esperanza D. Rios. Preceded in death by his parents Enrique and Esperanza Rios. He is survived by his sister, Loretta R. Garcia, nephew's Eric and Michael Garcia and niece Trianna Fernandez.Enrique was a lifelong resident of El Paso, TX where he attended Austin High School. Prior to finishing high school and on January 11, 1967, Enrique enlisted in the United States Marine Corps at the age of 17. After completing Basic Infantry Training at Camp Pendleton, CA, Enrique deployed to Vietnam as a rifleman. Enrique served in the 326th Battalion and saw combat in the 1968 Tet Offensive. For his time in service, Enrique received the National Defense Medal, Vietnamese Service Medal w/ 1*, Presidential Unit Citation and the Vietnamese Campaign Medal w/3*. Enrique was honorably discharged on April 29th, 1970 with a rank of Private First Class (E-2).After returning from Vietnam, Enrique held several jobs over the years, bartender at Maxie's Bar, building and ground maintenance at White Sands Missile Range, receiving supervisor for La - La Imports, store attendant for Vicker's Gas Stations and grounds keeper for Ft. Bliss National Cemetery.As with many Vietnam Veterans, Enrique suffered mentally, emotionally and physically from the horrors of war. Enrique struggled to gain his footing in life, but in recent years and with the help of many people, Enrique found some traction and stability. On September 19th, 2024, Enrique was an honored veteran aboard Honor Flight Mission 18 to Washington D.C. This experience allowed Enrique to find closure.Services as follows:Visitation and Rosary service will take place Friday March 13, 2026 from 10:00am - 1:30pm with Rosary service at 12:30 pm at Perches Funeral Home, 4946 Hondo Pass Dr.Committal Service will follow at 2:00pm at Fort Bliss National Cemetery with Military Honors.In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to The Rio Grande Honor Flight in honor of Enrique.To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.