Rafael Sandaña Jr.

Rafael Saldaña Jr, 36, of Liberal, passed away on Tuesday January 20, 2026 in rural Beaver County, OK.

He was born on October 17, 1989 to Rafael Saldaña and Elsa Fabela at Brawley, CA.

On September 6, 2025 he married Alejandra Zapata in Liberal, KS.

Rafael grew up in Brawley, CA where attended school at Desert Valley High School. He enjoyed fishing,camping and going to the beach in California. Rafael's many hobbies included riding street bikes, break dancing. and listening to music. He was also a "foodie" that loved going out to eat and grilling steaks at home for his family and friends. Most of all, Rafael loved his kids and spending time with them. Rafael also loved his friends, he had a sense of humor and a smile that would just make others smile and laugh with him. It was so easy to rely on Rafael because he was the type of person that would offer you his shoulder to lean on. We will remember Rafael with a kind and warm smile, and we will remember his many acts of kindness and loving heart towards his loving family and friends.

Rafael is survived by his loving wife Alejandra; Daughter, Olive Irene Saldaña; Three Sons, Silas Seraphine Saldaña, Remiel Lex Sandaña, Liam Alan Diaz; Mother, Elsa Beatriz Fabela of Brawley, CA; Father, Rafael Saldaña of Las Vegas, NV; Brother, Jessie Saldaña of Liberal, KS; Sister, Jessica Jesenia Villalobos of Brawley, CA; Aunt, Jessica Fabela of Brawley, CA; Uncle, Jesus Fabela of Brawley, CA; Grandmother, Benancia Fabela of Brawley, CA; Cousin, Fernando Muñoz of Brawley, CA; Former Wife, Maria Ortiz of Liberal, KS. 

Visitation will be 1:00 pm to 7:00 pm Wednesday February 4, 2026 at Miller Mortuary. 

Rosary Service will be 10:00 am Thursday February 5, 2026 followed by the Funeral Mass at 11:00 am at St. Anthony of Padua Church in Liberal, KS. Cremation will follow.