Rolando Mireles

Rolando Mireles, passed away on Tuesday, July 9, 2024 at the age of 75, surrounded by his loving family. Rolando was born on July 13, 1948 in Rio Grande City, TX to Abelardo and Emma Mireles. He grew up in Los Ebanos with his nine siblings. He attended El Faro School in Sullivan City and graduated from La Joya High School. He received his bachelors in education from the University of Texas Pan American. At the age of 24, he married the love of his life, Lucila, on December 23, 1972. They made their home in La Victoria Ranch. He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Lucila, and his children Rolando Jr. (Laura), Patricia Eunice, Isai (Jodi) and grandchildren, Sebastian (Raquel), Sofia, Sienna, Sage and Holden. He is also survived by his siblings, Abelardo Jr. (Elma), Hector (Emma), Sylvia, Sostenes (+Anabel), David (Norma), Ricardo (Rita), Romeo (Martha), Homar (Mary) and Sonia Fuentes (Mando). At the age of 17, Rolando said yes to the free gift of salvation through Jesus, and began a spiritual race that propelled him to serve his maker throughout his entire life in his community, church conference, local church, and family. His service to the Lord and others leaves an imprint on the hearts of many. Rolando was a school teacher for 40 years in the community of La Grulla. He taught generations of students his love for history. Rolando and his family enjoyed 15 summers in Bellingham, Washington, where he was a school counselor for migrant high school students. Rolando also served on the board of Tabor College in Hillsboro, KS for 24 years. His desire was that his children attend Tabor and that dream was fulfilled and surpassed. Not only did his three children graduate from Tabor, but also his grandson, Sebastian, this past May. Rolando served as the moderator of the LAMB (Latin American Mennonite Brethren) Conference for many years, where he worked alongside pastors and churches in the area. He also served on the board of the US Mennonite Brethren Conference for 14 years and attended ICOMB (International Committee of Mennonite Brethren) gatherings around the world. He served at his local church, Gracepoint, formerly Grulla Mennonite Brethren Church, with an unwavering commitment in any capacity needed. He was a youth leader, pastor, teacher, shepherd and mentor. With a joyful heart, he maintained the church lawn, visited many in the hospital or their homes when sick, and officiated funerals. His family and friends will remember him for his gregarious personality, strong welcoming hugs, love for the Dallas Cowboys, motorcycle rides and coffee meet ups, but most of all, for his love and devotion to his adoring wife, Lucila. His life leaves a legacy filled with purpose for all those who knew him, as a charge to live for Christ, love whole heartedly and serve joyfully. Friends and family will gather for a visitation service on Friday, July 12, 2024 from 5:00pm to 9:00pm with a prayer service at 6:30pm at The Lord and I Funeral Home in Peñitas, Texas. On Saturday, July 13, 2024 a funeral service will take place at Grace Point Church in La Grulla, Texas at 10:30am. Interment is to follow at Gutierrez Family Cemetery in La Grulla, Texas. Arrangements are under the direction of The Lord and I Funeral Home – Peñitas, Texas.

Rolando Mireles

July 13, 1948 - July 9, 2024