Rafael Adame

Rafael "Ralph" Adame

Rafael (Ralph) Adame, age 76, joined the ranks of guardian angels on Tuesday, August 22, 2023, in El Paso, Texas. He was a beloved son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, and uncle and his loss is felt deeply by both his family and our community. In the words of his granddaughter, Rafael was the laugh of the family, a gentle giant with a sometimes-biting sense of humor, and an extraordinary man who reached many people’s hearts.

Rafael is preceded in death by his parents, Hermelinda Ramos, and Rafael Adame, his son-in-law Ricardo G. Almengor, and his brother-in-law Jose Campa Jr. He is survived by his cherished wife of 52 years Mary Margaret Adame, his children Nikki Adame-Winningham (Charles Adame-Winningham) and Gabrielle Renee Almengor, his siblings Amador Adame (Martha Adame), Lupe Campa, Sandra Calderon, and Roland Esparza, and his precious granddaughter Soraya Almengor. He is also survived by many extended friends and family to cherish and honor his memory.

Rafael was a successful business owner. For the past 20 years, he owned and operated Mexus Communications Management, a provider of wireless internet services to small businesses in El Paso.

His advocacy spanned over four decades, impacting every corner of our city. From the El Paso Public Utility Board to the City Cable Commission, City Airport Board, and County Civil Service Board, Rafael's leadership shaped policy and progress. His dedication was steadfast within the Greater El Paso Chamber of Commerce, Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and Paso Del Norte Group, underpinning his vision of a prosperous El Paso. And his appointment to the Board of Directors of Workforce Solutions Borderplex on February 22, 2017, exemplified his commitment to our community's growth. 

As one of the founding members of CommUnity En Accion (CEA), his unwavering dedication to CEA's mission mirrored his unyielding commitment to our beloved city and to ensuring that Latinos not only have a seat at the table but that their voices are heard, honored and respected. This dedication to CEA’s mission drove the relocation and comprehensive reimagining of the Monument of the Men of Company E. This profound transformation serves as a resounding tribute to the valor and sacrifices of the Mexican-American soldiers who gallantly laid down their lives in defense of our nation. 

Education was a cause dear to Rafael’s heart, evident through his involvement with the El Paso Community College Foundation, Ysleta Independent School District Foundation, and EPISD Foundation. He believed in education's transformative power to uplift and empower future generations.

Yet, it was Rafael's boundless compassion that truly defined him. His contributions to the Boys & Girls Club of El Paso and Foundation, United Way of El Paso County, the Hospice El Paso Board, PdN Children’s Development Center, and Camino Real Regional Mobility Authority showcased his commitment to fostering a stronger community. Rafael's legacy encourages us to continue his compassionate work, ensuring a united and vibrant El Paso for years to come.

As we reflect on Rafael's legacy, we find solace in shared memories and the challenges we overcame together. Rafael's legacy is a call to action, urging us to continue the journey he so fervently embraced: crafting a more vibrant, united El Paso that represents all voices especially those of Latinos.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Rafael’s memory to a favorite charitable organization.

A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, September 8, 2023, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Sunset Funeral Home-West with a Mariachi Service to follow at 6:00 p.m. and a Celebration of Life at 7:00 p.m. Services are entrusted to Sunset Funeral Home-West, 480 N. Resler Dr.