Juan Manuel Escobar

Juan Manuel Escobar (March 11, 1950 – August 12, 2026) was an American politician and judge. He was a member of the Texas House of Representatives from the 43rd district from 2003 to 2009, and was a Kleberg County judge from 2011 to 2014.

Early life and education Juan Manuel Escobar was born in Escobares, Texas, on March 11, 1950. Early in his life, Escobar was a migrant worker. Escobar attended Roma High School, where he was a Texas All-State Class AA first team selection in basketball, competed in the 440 at the Texas Class AA State final, and served as Student Council President during his senior year. Escobar earned a Bachelor of Science in biology from the University of Texas–Pan American in 1978.

Military service Escobar served in the United States Marine Corps with the 1st Marine Division in Vietnam where he was wounded in action in 1970. He rose to the rank of Sergeant and was assigned to United States Marine Barracks 8th & I in Washington, D.C., where he was a pallbearer for presidents Lyndon B. Johnson and Harry S. Truman.

In 2008 he was defeated by fellow Democrat Tara Rios Ybarra 53.74% to his 46.25% in a higher than average turnout election.

In 2010 he was elected as Kleberg County Judge, and served until December 2014.

Personal life and death Escobar lived in Kingsville, Texas, with his wife, Maria del Rosario (Rosie). He was a lay minister and an administrator for St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Kingsville. Escobar served as a Major in the Civil Air Patrol.

His children were Yvonne Yvette and Eduardo Eden. He also had two grandsons.

Escobar died in Kingsville on August 12, 2026, at the age of 76.