Hector Mirelez

MCALLEN - Hector Mirelez, age 77, fought the good fight, kept the faith and finished his race on May 28, 2025. He was surrounded by his loving family and friends. Born on July 30, 1947 in Rio Grande City and raised in Los Ebanos, he was the 2nd of 10 children. He graduated from La Joya High School in 1967 and attended Delmar College in Corpus Christi. Due to health issues, he ultimately retired from the job he loved at Munoz Lumber Company. His longtime wish was to return to driving his truck.

Hector grew up in church and carried his faith with him throughout his life. It was there he met his beloved wife, Emma, whom he married and loved for 54 years. Together they built a life grounded in devotion—to God, to each other, and to family. He worked diligently to provide a stable and fruitful home for his children. Everything he did, he did with his family in mind. Despite his health struggles, Hector was known for his unwavering presence. He showed up—at family events, birthdays, and milestones—not just physically, but with a warm heart and genuine joy. He had a special gift for making those around him feel loved and seen. Though his life was marked by physical challenges—surgeries and a battle with cancer—he met every obstacle with grace, strength, and a steadfast determination to live fully and love deeply.

Hector showed his faith and love through everyday acts of service: by firing up the grill for a BBQ, mowing a neighbor’s lawn, or simply being a dependable friend. Almost every day, you could find him tending to his immaculate lawn, waving to neighbors, and striking up conversations—offering kindness and connection in a world that always needed more of both. 

He was known for his booming voice and larger than life presence. He affectionately called everyone around him “Leño,” a term that, to him, meant friendship and love. To know him was to be considered family – he embraced everyone and made them feel at home in his presence.

He found joy in the simple pleasures of life: eating breakfast with his brothers, vacationing with his grandchildren, and spending time with those he loved. But above all, his greatest pride and joy was being “Grandpa.” Nothing brought him more happiness than knowing his children and grandchildren were walking with Jesus—a legacy of faith he considered his most important gift to them. A legacy passed on from his own parents.

Every gathering could quickly be turned into a party surrounded by family and friends. He loved to sing hymns alongside his wife and did so until the end. His hands were strong, his heart was kind, and his faith was unshakable. He trusted the Lord had prepared a place for him and we would be reunited once again in Heaven.

He is proceeded in death by his parents Abelardo and Emma Mireles and just 10 months ago his brother, Rolando Mireles. Also his twin sister, Emma, who died at birth.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Emma; daughter Monica (Ismael) Villarreal; son Hector Homar Mirelez (Marbella); grandchildren Cruz & Emma Villarreal and Hector Jr and Sebastian Mirelez; 8 siblings Abelardo Jr., Sylvia, Sostenes, David, Ricardo, Romeo, Homar and Sonia. Plus, a wide circle of family, friends, and neighbors who were touched by his spirit and unwavering kindness. The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to the ICU staff at South Texas Health System for their compassionate care. Your dedication and kindness were greatly appreciated during this difficult time.

Visitation will be from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. with a 5 p.m. Celebration of Life, Saturday, June 7, 2025, at Legacy Chapels 4610 South Jackson Road in Edinburg.

Funeral services are under the direction of Legacy Chapels in Edinburg.