Melquiades "Mike" C. Albarado, Jr.

Melquiades (Mike) C. Albarado Jr., 64, of Rowena passed away on Tuesday, March 15, 2016 at BSA Hospital in Amarillo, TX peacefully, surrounded by his wife, children, and grandchildren.

Mike was born on December 9, 1951 to Melquiades Sr. and Josephina (Constancio) Albarado. The oldest of five children, Mike attended elementary school in Miles, Texas until the fourth grade when he moved to St. Joseph’s Catholic School in Rowena, Texas. There he avidly competed in both basketball and baseball beginning what would become a life-long love for competitive sports. After graduating in 1971, Mike attended Texas State Technical Institution and received a degree in Animal Science. He began his career at Strube’s Meat Market in Rowena, eventually becoming a certified meat grader for the United States Department of Agriculture. During his eighteen years with the USDA, Mike traveled extensively, receiving many awards for his hard work and dedication. In 2004 the USDA stationed Mike in Friona, TX where he moved with his family. There he became a valued member of the community making many friends and touching many hearts.

A natural competitor, Mike loved playing sports. As a young man he played baseball and softball with the young and old alike. Later in life he picked up golf as his sport of choice, competing against his sons, brothers-in-law, and friends. With his family he also shared a life-long passion for hunting, camping, and fishing. He loved being outside, and he loved to fix things. Mike was a loving and devoted son, husband, father, and grandfather—he will be greatly missed.

He was preceded in death by his father, Melquiades Albarado, Sr., his brother Adrian Albarado, as well as his father and mother-in law, Frank and Annie Reyes.

Surviving Mike is his wife Becky Reyes Albarado; his mother Josephina C. Albarado; his three children Nicole, Patrick, and Stephen Albarado; and his two granddaughters Alysia Albarado and Zaydee Lay. Also surviving are his three siblings Herbie Albarado, Roland Albarado and wife Norma, and Belinda Escobar and husband Robert; his brothers-in-law Rueben Reyes, Frank Reyes Jr, and Pat Reyes; and many beloved nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

Pallbearers: Tommy Lamb, Gary Cahoon, Tyler Smith, Frankie Fuentes, Ryan Escobar, Mike Feist; honorary pallbearers: James Matthiesen, Jason Strube, Justin Strube, and Martin Fuentes.

Rosary will be recited at 7:00 pm on Friday, March 18 at Lange Funeral Home Chapel in Ballinger. Mass will be held at 10:00 am on Saturday, March 19 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Rowena with Fr. Ariel Lagunilla celebrating. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Rowena.