Hilarion Escobido, Sr.

Hilarion Escobido, Sr. 1931-2011 LAS VEGAS, NV

Hilarion Escobido, Sr. 79 of Las Vegas, NV died Monday April 25 in Larry’s Group Home.  Born in Wailuku, Maui, Hawaii, October 21, 1931 son of Victorio Escobido and Tomasa Debina.  Hilarion Escobido served in the United States Army, was drafted on November 11, 1951 he fought in the Korean and Vietnam Wars and was awarded the Purple Heart in 1956.  “Private Escobido was struck in the face and leg by fragments from a fragmentary grenade.  Private Escobido did not stop fighting and kept the enemy  pinned down with constant rate automatic rifle fire, which enabled the other men in his squad to move up a hill with no more injuries to squad members.” He also served in Germany where he held several positions including as Liaison between US Army and members of the German Army.  In 1956 he earned the rank of Sergeant.  In 1970 Sergeant Escobido returned to Fort Ord where he was promoted and served as the Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge of the base rifle range.  In June, 1973, Sergeant First Class Escobido retired from active duty with twenty-one years of proud US Army service.  After retirement Hilarion Escobido moved to Las Vegas to pursue a career as a slot machine mechanic.

He is survived by his sons Hilarion Escobido, Jr. of Marina, CA, Keith Escobido of Las Vegas, NV, Mark Escobido, Sr. and a daughter Hilary (Escobido) Willard of Waterford, CT, sisters Magdalena (Escobido) Caldwell and Elizabeth (Escobido) Agbayani of HI, brothers Punciano Escobido of Las Vegas, NV and James Escobido of HI.  Grandfather to Samuel Escobido, Kemi (Escobido) Ellison, Kristen and Lauren Willard, Jennifer and Mark, Jr. Escobido, Christopher Escobido and great grandfather to Gabriel and Ysa Ellison.  Also survived by extended family members and friends.  Hilarion was predeceased by siblings Regina (Escobido) Sanico and Evaristo Escobido.

Funeral services celebrating his life will be Saturday May 7 at 11 AM with family and friends gathering at the La Paloma Funeral Services, 5450 Stephanie St, Ste 110.  Interment will be at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific at “Punchbowl”, Honolulu, Hawaii.