Candido Ybarra, age 89, of Ulysses, Kansas, was called home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, at his residence. He was born on February 2, 1936, in Haskell, Texas, the son of Crispin and Josefina Ybarra.
On July 6, 1957, Cande married the love of his life, Odelia Esquivel, in Munday, Texas. Munday remained home for the growing family until 1971, when they moved to Ulysses, Kansas. Together, Cande and Odelia shared 62 years of steadfast love and partnership.
Candido had farmed all his life, working and learning the art of farming—first in Texas, then later in Kansas. Over the years, he worked for several respected farmers, including Art Olson, Alie Loewen, Gary Hearst, Melvin Gary, and Gene Spencer. He retired in 2015 to care for his beloved wife, who was battling Alzheimer’s disease. In her final years, Cande showed unwavering devotion and selfless love as her caretaker.
Cande enjoyed the simple blessings of life: gardening, fishing, cheering for his favorite WWE wrestlers, and listening to Tejano music. One of his favorite pastimes was playing Rummikube with family. Though he started out as a beginner, it didn’t take long before he was a regular champion—always smiling, competitive, and ready for the next round.
He is survived by three daughters: Yolanda Velasquez and husband Larry of Ulysses, Kansas; Sylvia Haun and husband Chuck of Garfield, Arkansas; and Delma DeLeon and husband Robert of Garden City, Kansas; as well as one son-in-law, Alex DeLeon of Junction City, Kansas, husband of his late daughter Lilia DeLeon. He is also survived by one brother, Juan Ybarra; seven grandchildren: Larry Paul Velasquez, Brooke Velasquez, Allison Medina, Alex (Ay Jay) DeLeon, Aaron DeLeon, Corey DeLeon, and Davida DeLeon; thirteen great-grandchildren—and the family joyfully awaits the arrival of a new baby boy in October.
Cande was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wife, Odelia Ybarra; his daughter, Lilia DeLeon; two precious great-granddaughters, Ariana DeLeon and Alicia Velasquez; and ten siblings.
Funeral service will be Friday, April 25, 2025, at 2:00 PM at Emmanuel Ministierio in Ulysses, Kansas, with Pastor Rafael Franco officiating. Interment will follow at the Ulysses Cemetery. Visitation will be Thursday, April 24, 2025, from 2:00 PM until 8:00 PM at Garnand Funeral Home in Ulysses. Memorial contributions may be given to St. Catherine Hospice in care of Garnand Funeral Home, 405 W. Grant Ave, Ulysses, KS 67880. Condolences may be posted at www.garnandfuneralhomes.com.
