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Mike H. Mirelez
Beloved Mike Hailes Mirelez, passed away on March 12, 2024, at the age of 85.
Born on Oct. 27, 1938, in Uvalde, Texas, to Felix Casares Mirelez and Juanita Rodriguez Mirelez, Mike lived a rich and fulfilling life that touched many hearts. Education was central to Mike’s journey.
He graduated from Uvalde High School in 1958, excelling in the classroom, on the basketball court, and on the baseball field.
Known for his prowess as a sandlot and semi-professional baseball player in South Texas and Mexico, he earned a full baseball scholarship to McNeese State University in Louisiana. Mike later transferred to Southwest Texas Junior College and then to Sul Ross State University where he continued to play college baseball.
He graduated in 1963 from Sul Ross State University, in Alpine, Texas, with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education.
Mike’s dedication to education led him to serve over 25 years at Uvalde Consolidated Independent School District, where he held multiple roles including football, basketball, and track coach, assistant principal, and principal.
After earning his master’s degree in education, he became an integral part of the district’s leadership, including holding the position of assistant superintendent for special services.
In 1988, Mike joined the Texas Education Agency in Austin, monitoring public school districts statewide, as the Educational Service Center director.
Later, he transitioned to Round Rock Independent School District where he contributed significantly to the district’s programs, curriculum and administration. After retiring in 1999, he still found time to substitute teach, where on several occasions he had the opportunity to substitute for at least one of his grandchildren.
In total, he spent over 45 years serving public education. Outside of education, Mike was deeply involved in his faith and community. He was an active member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Uvalde, as well as the Uvalde Knights of Columbus.
In Austin, he dedicated 25 years to St. Thomas More Catholic Church, where he was a Eucharistic minister. Upon moving to Denton, Texas, he became a member of St. Marks Catholic Church. Mike was also a devoted 32 Degree Master Mason, belonging to Uvalde Masonic Lodge 472 and the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry.
His involvement spanned decades, reflecting his enduring commitment to fraternal bonds.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Felix Casares Mirelez and Juanita Rodriguez Mirelez; his sisters Elvira M. Mirelez, Piedad M. Salazar, Consuelo M. Ruiz, Florinda M. Flores, Elisa M. Padilla, Linda M. Garcia; as well as brothers David H. Mirelez and Samuel H. Mireles.
He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Teodora “Tare” Flores Mirelez; their daughter, Patricia Ann Navarette and her husband Mike T. Navarette from Cypress, Texas; their two sons Michael John Mirelez and his wife, Angela Herring Mirelez, who reside in San Antonio, Texas, and Mark Wayne Mirelez and his wife, Erika Reyes Mirelez, who reside in Argyle, Texas.
Seven grandchildren also survive him. Additionally, Mike leaves behind his sister Sulema M. Torres from San Antonio, Texas, along with numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.
In lieu of flowers, Mike requested donations be made to the El Progreso Memorial Library in Uvalde, Texas, a testament to his belief in the power of education to transform lives. Mike’s legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched, his memory cherished by all who knew him.
As we mourn his passing, let us remember him in our prayers and honor his legacy through acts of kindness and service, just as he did throughout his remarkable life.
Visitation will be held March 20 at 4 p.m. at Rushing-Estes-Knowles Mortuary where a rosary will be recited at 7 p.m.
A funeral Mass will be celebrated on March 21 at 2 p.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Interment will follow at Hillcrest Cemetery.
The preceding is a paid obituary.
