Born: Thursday Nov-19-1925
Died: Tuesday Dec-01-2015
Funeral: Thursday Dec-10-2015

Morrison Funeral Home
& Crematory
188 S. Hwy 24
Rupert, Idaho 83350
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AUGUSTIN D. “GUS” ESQUIBEL

RUPERT - Augustin “Gus” Esquibel, WWII Veteran and local businessman,90, of Rupert, passed away peacefully at his farm on Tuesday, December 1, 2015. Augustin was born on November 19, 1925 in Optimo, New Mexico, the son of Jose & Elvira Esquibel. Raised on a ranch with his two brothers, Roger & Arturo where he attended school in a one room schoolhouse. In 1943 he enlisted in the U.S. Navy during WWII serving aboard the USS Copahee CVE-12 in the South Pacific . While in the Navy he met and later married Frances Selena Maestas on August 9, 1944 in Wagon Mound, New Mexico. Together they had four children, Manny, Augustin Jr., Anthony and Angela. They divorced in 1957. After honorably discharged from the service, Augustin held various skilled jobs including Fort Lyons Veterans Psychiatric Hospital in Las Animas, CO., The New Mexico Industrial School for Boys in Springer, NM. and US Steel in Pueblo, CO. Growing up in Wagon Mound, New Mexico the local sheriff had made a strong impression on Augustin with his uniformed attire and the respect given to him. He dreamed of one day being sheriff himself. In 1956 that dream was realized as he was elected sheriff of Mora County in New Mexico. He later went on to serve as a police officer with the Cheyenne, WY. and Burley, ID. Police Departments. It was while he was Sheriff that he met and later married Gladys Bernice Montoya on February 14, 1958 in Taos, New Mexico. Together they lived and built a life in Burley, Idaho where they had three children, Russell, Milton and Gaynol Lee. They later divorced in 2009. In 1970 after a short stint with Wycoff Transporting Services, Augustin started La Chiquita Corn Tortillas Factory in Burley, Idaho. It was one of the first tortilla factories in Idaho. His tortillas, taco shells and chips were sold throughout the northwest in stores and restaurants. During this time, Augustin developed many lasting relationships that endured until his passing. In 1996 he closed the operation and retired enjoying his farm in Rupert, Idaho. Augustin was a devoted father and grandfather with a very deep spiritual love for the Lord. He was always there for his family and friends. We will miss his wisdom, storytelling, humor and loud laugh. WE LOVE YOU DAD! His survived by his five children; Russell Esquibel of Rupert, Milton Esquibel of Rupert, Gaynol Lee (David) Martinez of Burley, Anthony (Frances) Esquibel of NM., Angela Esquibel Springer of NM.; 14 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren and one brother Roger Esquibel. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jose & Elvira Esquibel; Tio Melquiades Casias, his brother Arturo “Ish” Esquibel and his sons, Manny and Augustin Jr. Esquibel. Recitation of the rosary will be held at 7 p.m. Wednesday, December 9, at Morrison Funeral Home, 188 South Hwy 24 in Rupert. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, December 10, 2015, at Little Flower Catholic Church, 1601 Oakley Avenue in Burley, with the Rev. Father Julio Vicente as celebrant. Friends and family may call one hour prior to the rosary at Morrison Funeral Home in Rupert and one hour prior to the Mass at the church in Burley. Arrangements are under the direction of Morrison Funeral Home in Rupert.